Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office

Sudan: Armed Conflict

Stephen Morgan: To ask the Deputy Foreign Secretary, what diplomatic representations he has made to discourage states channelling (a) weapons and (b) funding to the parties to the war in Sudan.

Stephen Morgan: To ask the Deputy Foreign Secretary, what steps he is taking to help prevent the flow of resources to the Rapid Support Forces across the border from Libya; and whether his Department is monitoring the potential for onward flows to Sudan as a result of the Russian supply of arms within Libya.

Mr Andrew Mitchell: There is a UN Arms Embargo and Sanctions Regime on Darfur, which the UN renewed in March 2023. There is also a longstanding bilateral UK arms embargo in place for the whole of Sudan. In our engagement with international partners, the UK continues to emphasise the importance of refraining from actions that prolong the conflict.

Gaza: White Phosphorus

Kenny MacAskill: To ask the Deputy Foreign Secretary, if he will make an assessment of the implications for his  policies on reports of the alleged use of using phosphorous munitions in Gaza.

Mr Andrew Mitchell: The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Israel: Gaza

Patrick Grady: To ask the Deputy Foreign Secretary, whether arms exported from the United Kingdom were used in the attack by Israeli Defence Forces on the Maghazi refugee camp in Gaza on 16 April 2024.

Mr Andrew Mitchell: The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

United Nations

Tommy Sheppard: To ask the Deputy Foreign Secretary, what assessment he has made of the potential implications for his policies of The Technical Report for the United Nations Secretary-General, published on 22 April 2024.

Mr Andrew Mitchell: Allegations that UNRWA staff were involved in the events that took place on 7 October in Israel are appalling, which is why we took decisive action to pause future funding to the organisation.We will set out our position on future funding to UNRWA following careful consideration of the final report of the Independent Review Group led by Catherine Colonna, UNRWA's response and the ongoing UN Office for Internal Oversight Services investigation into these allegations.We remain absolutely committed to getting humanitarian aid to people in Gaza who desperately need it, including through other UN agencies and British charities.

West Bank: Violence

Tommy Sheppard: To ask the Deputy Foreign Secretary, what recent assessment he has made of the implications for his policies of the level of settler violence in the West Bank.

Mr Andrew Mitchell: The UK continues to take a strong stance against settler violence. Extremist settlers, by targeting and attacking Palestinian civilians, are undermining security and stability for both Israelis and Palestinians.We have already moved to ban those responsible for violence in the West Bank from the UK and announced new sanctions designations against four extremist Israeli settlers who have violently attacked Palestinians in the West Bank.

Gaza: Humanitarian Aid

Tommy Sheppard: To ask the Deputy Foreign Secretary, what diplomatic steps his Department is taking to help increase access to medical care for children in Gaza.

Mr Andrew Mitchell: We are doing all we can to get more aid into Gaza by land, air and sea. A UK Med field hospital, funded by the UK, is up and running in Gaza. This facility is staffed by UK and local medics and has already treated thousands of patients.We have provided targeted support for children through a £5.75 million contribution. This is supporting work to assist over 5,800 children with severe malnourishment and 853,000 children, adolescents and caregivers affected by the conflict to receive emergency and child protection services, including mental health and psychosocial support.The Foreign Secretary and Prime Minister have also underlined the need for Israel to ensure effective deconfliction in Gaza, and to take all possible measures to ensure the safety of medical personnel and facilities.

Gaza: Israel

Stephen Farry: To ask the Deputy Foreign Secretary, pursuant to the Answer of 16 January 2024 to Question UIN 7644 on Gaza: Israel, what recent assessment he made of the implications for his policies of allegations that Israel has used starvation as a weapon of war.

Mr Andrew Mitchell: We are doing everything we can to get more aid in as quickly as possible by land, sea and air.On 20 March, the Foreign Secretary announced the UK has funded WFP to provide 2000 tons of food aid, enough to feed 275,000 people in Gaza.Israel has now committed to significant steps to increase the amount of aid getting to Gaza. We have seen an encouraging increase in the number of aid trucks getting into Gaza, but we must see further action to ensure more aid actually gets over the border.Israel must fulfil its commitments to enable a flood of aid, including by guaranteeing deconfliction for aid workers.

Israel: Palestinians

Layla Moran: To ask the Deputy Foreign Secretary, whether he has made an assessment of the potential implications for his policies of the US's sanctions on (a) Mount Hebron Fund, Shlom Asiraich and (b) the leader of Lehava, Ben Zion Gopstein; and whether he has plans to implement sanctions on those actors.

Mr Andrew Mitchell: We do not speculate on future designations.The UK continues to take a strong stance against settler violence. Extremist settlers, by targeting and attacking Palestinian civilians, are undermining security and stability for both Israelis and Palestinians.On 12 February, the Foreign Secretary announced sanctions on four extremist Israeli settlers who have committed human rights abuses against Palestinian communities in the West Bank. Those now subject to a UK asset freeze, travel and visa ban include Moshe Sharvit, Yinon Levy, Zvi Bar Yosef and Ely Federman. These measures are part of wider UK efforts to support a more stable West Bank, which is vital for the peace and security of both Palestinians and Israelis.

Israel: Palestinians

Jane Hunt: To ask the Deputy Foreign Secretary, what steps he is taking with his international counterparts to help secure peace between Israel and Palestine in the Holy Land.

Mr Andrew Mitchell: The fastest way to end the conflict is to secure a deal which gets the hostages out and allows for a pause in the fighting in Gaza. We must then work with our international partners to turn that pause into a sustainable, permanent ceasefire.The UK is doing all it can to reach a long-term solution to this crisis by: calling for the immediate release of all hostages; continuing to support a deal which would secure a pause in the fighting; pushing as hard as we can to get aid to Palestinian civilians; working with partners to deescalate the situation in the region; and building momentum towards a lasting peace.Building momentum towards a lasting peace will require the release of all hostages; removing Hamas's capacity to launch attacks against Israel; Hamas no longer being in charge of Gaza; the formation of a new Palestinian Government for the West Bank and Gaza, accompanied by an international support package; and a political horizon for the Palestinians, providing a credible and irreversible pathway towards a two-state solution.We have played an active role in discussions at the UN. The passing of UN Security Council Resolution 2728 on 25 March reflected international consensus behind the UK's position We continue to use public and private diplomatic channels as well as multilateral fora.

Gaza: Humanitarian Aid

Rachael Maskell: To ask the Deputy Foreign Secretary, whether he has had discussions with his international counterparts on the UN Security Forces taking over the border checks for aid at the Gaza border.

Mr Andrew Mitchell: The deployment of UN peacekeepers would require a UN Security Council Resolution and the consent of all parties to the conflict. We judge neither of these requirements to be obtainable at this time.

Europe and North America: Embassies

Stephen Doughty: To ask the Deputy Foreign Secretary, how many members of staff from the (a) Department for Business and Trade and (b) devolved Administrations are co-located in UK embassies and high commissions in (i) Europe and (ii) North America; and if he will publish a breakdown of those figures by location.

David Rutley: The FCDO does not hold the responsibility for reporting on the numbers and location of other government department staff or those from devolved administrations co-located in UK embassies and high commissions. Each government department and devolved administration holds the responsibility to report on their own staff numbers.Overseas, DBT (Department for Business and Trade) provide expert advice in support of UK exports and investment and the implementation of free trade agreements. DBT play an important role in delivery of HMG international priorities including promoting trade and investment and furthering economic and trade ties.

Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction Agreement

Angela Crawley: To ask the Deputy Foreign Secretary, what progress he has made on preparing legislation to transpose into UK law the provisions of the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction Agreement; and when he plans to ratify that treaty.

Mr Andrew Mitchell: The UK signed the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement at the first opportunity on 20 September 2023 and laid the Agreement before Parliament on 16 October, the first Parliamentary sitting day after signature. The scrutiny process has now been completed. The Government aims to implement and ratify the BBNJ Agreement by the United Nations Ocean Conference in Nice in June 2025. In line with this ambitious deadline, work is in hand on the legislation and other measures needed to translate the detailed and complex provisions of the Agreement into UK law before we can ratify the Agreement.

Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office: Freedom of Information

Navendu Mishra: To ask the Deputy Foreign Secretary, what the average time taken by his Department to respond to a freedom of information (FOI) request was in each of the last five years; how many and what proportion of FOI requests his Department did not answer within the target time in each of the last five years; and how many FOI requests to his Department have not been answered within the target time as of 24 April 2024.

David Rutley: The FCDO takes its responsibilities under the Freedom of Information Act very seriously and will continue to strive to answer Freedom of Information (FOI) requests within the required timescales.1. Number of cases received and answered on time 2019 - 2023YearDepartmentTotal Number of FOI requestsTotal Number answered on time% on time2019FCO1229114693% DfID43643099%2020FCO82866580% DfID28828398% FCDO35227779%2021FCDO1245108087%2022FCDO121495679%2023FCDO136286664%2. Number of cases received and answered on time 2024 - to dateYearDepartmentTotal number of FOI requests closed to dateTotal number answered on time to date% answered on time2024 to dateFCDO33421263%

Europe and North America: Diplomatic Service

Stephen Doughty: To ask the Deputy Foreign Secretary, what (a) ambassadorial, (b) high commissioner and (c) deputy head of mission postings in (i) Europe and (ii) North America he plans to (A) announce and (B) appoint in the next seven months.

David Rutley: The FCDO has published announcements of changes to HM Ambassadors (HMA), High Commissioners (HC) and Heads of Mission planned for 2024 where His Majesty The King has approved and agrément by the host government has been granted. Details of changes are not published before these processes conclude. Any future HMA, HC and Head of Mission appointments would be announced following appropriate recruitment and approval processes concluding. Deputy head of mission (DHM) appointments are not formally announced.

Afghanistan: Non-governmental Organisations

Lisa Nandy: To ask the Deputy Foreign Secretary, what steps he is taking to support NGOs operating in Afghanistan.

Anne-Marie Trevelyan: The UK Government is committed to supporting the people of Afghanistan and NGOs operating in the country. Since April 2021, the UK has disbursed over £600 million in aid for Afghanistan. This funding includes direct and indirect support to a range of NGOs operating in Afghanistan. UK officials also meet regularly with NGO partners to discuss the operating context in Afghanistan, and to ensure support is as effective as possible.

Afghanistan: Humanitarian Situation

Lisa Nandy: To ask the Deputy Foreign Secretary, what recent discussions he has had with regional partners on the humanitarian situation in Afghanistan.

Anne-Marie Trevelyan: FCDO ministers are in regular contact with their international counterparts on Afghanistan both in the region and beyond. The Foreign Secretary discussed the situation in Afghanistan during his recent visit to Central Asia. The UK Special Representative to Afghanistan regularly engages with international counterparts, including at the last Special Envoys' meeting in Doha in February, which focused on political and humanitarian issues.

Israel: Arms Trade

Tommy Sheppard: To ask the Deputy Foreign Secretary, what recent discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for Business and Trade on the (a) Strategic Export Licensing Criteria and (b) licences issued to Israel.

Mr Andrew Mitchell: The Foreign Secretary continues to discuss all aspects of the current conflict in Israel with the Secretary of State for Business and Trade.All export licence applications are assessed on a case-by-case basis against the Strategic Export Licensing Criteria.

Gaza: Humanitarian Aid

Rachael Maskell: To ask the Deputy Foreign Secretary, what steps his Department is taking to deliver aid into the north of Gaza in the context of the infrastructure challenges by land.

Mr Andrew Mitchell: We have been doing everything we can to get more aid in as quickly as possible by land, sea and air, including conducting airdrops and supporting the establishment of a new maritime corridor.However land routes remain the best way to get aid into Gaza at the scale needed. We have welcomed recent commitments from Israel to increase aid flows, including allowing the delivery of humanitarian aid through the Port of Ashdod and the Erez crossing. The UK has long urged Israel to take these steps but we must see further action to ensure more aid actually gets over the border. The Foreign Secretary discussed this with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu on 17 April.We recently announced £3 million of additional funding for equipment to support UN and aid agencies at new and existing land crossings to get more aid into Gaza. The UK's contribution will include trucks, forklifts, generators, fuel stores and lighting towers.

Libya: Oil

Daniel Kawczynski: To ask the Deputy Foreign Secretary, what steps he is taking to discourage multinational energy companies from engaging in corrupt practices in the oil industry in Libya.

David Rutley: The National Oil Corporation (NOC) is an important institution in Libya with a vital role to play. It is however vulnerable to malign state actors seeking to benefit from Libya's political instability and capture of Libyan wealth by a small number of well-placed individuals through corrupt practices such as fuel smuggling, which can contribute to regional instability. The UK is therefore supportive of any efforts to investigate corruption and impropriety in the NOC and advocates greater transparency on revenue expenditure. The UK is clear that it will investigate any relevant allegations of corruption falling under the Bribery Act 2010. Overall, the UK believes the only means of addressing these issues sustainably is through a political settlement under UN auspices, which it continues to support, including by encouraging all parties to engage meaningfully.

Libya: Oil

Daniel Kawczynski: To ask the Deputy Foreign Secretary, what steps he is taking to help counter the influence of unfriendly foreign actors on Libya’s oil industry.

Daniel Kawczynski: To ask the Deputy Foreign Secretary, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of increases in the number of fuel smuggling routes from Libya on regional stability.

Daniel Kawczynski: To ask the Deputy Foreign Secretary, what assessment his Department has made of the implications for its policies of levels of corruption in Libya’s (a) oil industry and (b) national oil bodies.

David Rutley: The National Oil Corporation (NOC) is an important institution in Libya with a vital role to play. It is however vulnerable to malign state actors seeking to benefit from Libya's political instability and capture of Libyan wealth by a small number of well-placed individuals through corrupt practices such as fuel smuggling, which can contribute to regional instability. The UK is therefore supportive of any efforts to investigate corruption and impropriety in the NOC and advocates greater transparency on revenue expenditure. The UK is clear that it will investigate any relevant allegations of corruption falling under the Bribery Act 2010. Overall, the UK believes the only means of addressing these issues sustainably is through a political settlement under UN auspices, which it continues to support, including by encouraging all parties to engage meaningfully.

Myanmar: Refugees

Lisa Nandy: To ask the Deputy Foreign Secretary, whether he has had discussions with his Thai counterpart on support for refugees from the conflict in Myanmar.

David Rutley: The Foreign Secretary discussed the current situation in Myanmar with the Thai Prime Minister and Thai Foreign Minister during his visit to Thailand in March 2024. Discussions covered the delivery of humanitarian assistance to all in need inside Myanmar, and support those fleeing across the border. The UK continues to provide humanitarian assistance to people displaced by the conflict in Myanmar. Since September 2022, we have provided essential support to more than 85,000 Myanmar refugees in Thailand.

South Sudan and Sudan: Food Supply

Stephen Morgan: To ask the Deputy Foreign Secretary, what assessment he has made of the potential impact on food security in (a) Sudan and (b) South Sudan of disruption of the planting season.

Mr Andrew Mitchell: Intense conflict and economic decline mean that 17.7 million people in Sudan (37 % of the population) are now experiencing acute food insecurity. This represents the highest percentage of food insecurity immediately after the harvest on record for Sudan. The spread of the conflict to the "breadbasket" state of Jazira meant that food production, grain milling, storage and transportation have been heavily impacted. In South Sudan, agricultural production and coping capacity are extremely limited due to the impact of conflict, flooding, under-investment and lack of infrastructure. The UK is supporting food assistance and livelihoods for some of the most vulnerable people in the two countries, but humanitarian access remains extremely challenging.

Development Aid

Lisa Nandy: To ask the Deputy Foreign Secretary, what recent progress his Department has made to meet the pledge in the policy paper entitled UK government's strategy for international development, published on 16 May 2022, to spend £3 billion of official development assistance on humanitarian assistance over three years.

Lisa Nandy: To ask the Deputy Foreign Secretary, what assessment he has made of whether the provisional official development assistance spend of £888 million of bilateral aid towards humanitarian assistance in 2023 is sufficient to meet the International Development Strategy Commitment to spend £3 billion on humanitarian funding over the next three years.

Mr Andrew Mitchell: As set out in my [the Deputy Foreign Secretary's] 30 March 2023 Written Ministerial Statement (https://questions-statements.parliament.uk/written-statements/detail/2023-03-30/HCWS705), we continue to work towards our spending targets where funding allows, including on humanitarian. The White Paper on International Development commits us to spending £1 billion on humanitarian need in 2024-25.The UK's humanitarian spending figures for three years will not be available until after the end of 2024-25.

Sudan: Peace Negotiations

Stephen Morgan: To ask the Deputy Foreign Secretary, what steps he is taking to help build a consensus among neighbouring and regional states to end the war in Sudan.

Mr Andrew Mitchell: The UK has used its position as UN Security Council Penholder on Sudan to call multiple meetings to respond to the conflict, call for a ceasefire, and discuss the humanitarian and human rights situation. On 8 March, a UK-drafted UN Security Council Resolution 2724 called for an immediate cessation of hostilities. The UK continues to work with a wide range of countries and bodies, including traditional allies, Gulf and African partners, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development, the African Union and the UN, to realise this Resolution and make progress towards a sustained and meaningful peace process.

Afghanistan: Refugees

John Healey: To ask the Deputy Foreign Secretary, how many Afghan people are being housed in UK hotel funded accommodation in Pakistan under the (a) Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy and (b) Afghan citizens resettlement scheme as of 18 April 2024.

Anne-Marie Trevelyan: The Government looks forward to bringing all remaining eligible individuals to the UK as soon as practicable.Since Operation Pitting we have welcomed 8,702 Afghans eligible under ARAP, and 2,020 Afghans eligible under ACRS, to the UK via Pakistan.

Myanmar: Humanitarian Situation

Lisa Nandy: To ask the Deputy Foreign Secretary, what assessment he has made of the potential implications for his policies of the humanitarian and refugee situation following the increased violence in Myanmar near the Thai border.

Anne-Marie Trevelyan: The UK is monitoring the situation in Myawaddy closely. We are engaging international partners, including Thailand, and continue to provide humanitarian assistance to those affected by the conflict across Myanmar. Since the coup in 2021, the UK has provided almost £150 million in life-saving humanitarian assistance, emergency healthcare and education support, and work to support civil society and local communities across Myanmar. Over 54% of our funding is directed to local organisations, who have access to conflict-affected communities and act as first responders following new crises.

Sudan: Armed Conflict

Stephen Morgan: To ask the Deputy Foreign Secretary, what steps his Department is taking to (a) support survivors and (b) help prevent the further use of rape as a weapon of war in Sudan.

Mr Andrew Mitchell: Since the outbreak of conflict in April 2023, there has been a significant escalation of gender-based violence (GBV) in Sudan. The UK has pivoted our programme delivery to focus more on care for rape survivors. We have also integrated consideration of conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV) into the humanitarian system, making use of Women's Centres, mobile clinics and internally displaced persons' gathering points, for community engagement and service provision. We continue to call on both warring parties to abide by their responsibilities under International Humanitarian Law to protect civilians, including from CRSV, as well as to grant immediate and unimpeded humanitarian access to allow the provision of, and access to, lifesaving assistance including comprehensive GBV services.

Sudan: Arms Trade

Stephen Morgan: To ask the Deputy Foreign Secretary, whether he has made an assessment of the impact of sanctions on businesses that support the (a) Sudanese Armed Forces and (b) Rapid Support Forces on the flow of weapons used in the conflict.

Mr Andrew Mitchell: On 15 April, a year after the outbreak of conflict in Sudan, the UK imposed new sanctions targeting three businesses linked with financing the warring parties. Those businesses will have their assets frozen and their financial freedom severely limited, impacting both the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces. Our sanctions policy is continually under review.

British Overseas Territories and Crown Dependencies: Companies

Alison Thewliss: To ask the Deputy Foreign Secretary, what recent discussions he has had on progress on the introduction of public registers of beneficial ownership in the (a) Crown Dependencies and (b) Overseas Territories.

David Rutley: On 14 March 2024, the FCDO co-hosted, with the British Virgin Islands (BVI) Government, the inaugural UK-OT Joint Ministerial Dialogue on Illicit Finance. We discussed, among other areas, beneficial ownership transparency. I [Minister Rutley] re-stated the UK's expectation that access for those with a legitimate interest, including media and civil society, will be established by the end of 2024 as an interim step to full public accessibility. Overseas Territory Governments re-affirmed the commitments outlined in the Statement that I laid in December (HCWS150). The Home Office continue to lead engagement with the Crown Dependencies.

Haiti: Non-governmental Organisations

Lisa Nandy: To ask the Deputy Foreign Secretary, whether his Department is taking steps to support NGOs operating in Haiti.

David Rutley: We continue to support Haiti through our contributions to UN agencies, multi donor, pooled NGO funds, and institutions such as the World Bank Group, who are active in addressing Haiti's significant humanitarian challenges. We are also supporting the UN mission in Haiti (BINUH) to strengthen their presence in the country in order to create the conditions under which NGOs can operate and deliver services to the Haitian people.

Haiti: Development Aid

Lisa Nandy: To ask the Deputy Foreign Secretary, whether he has made an assessment of the potential merits of providing additional support for measures to support (a) stability and (b) reconstruction in Haiti.

David Rutley: The UK is committed to supporting a Haitian-led political solution to the escalating violence in the country, and commends the efforts of Caribbean partners to work towards a return to security and stability. It is clear that the climate of insecurity is driving Haiti's humanitarian needs, and we hope that deployment of the Multinational Security Support (MSS) Mission in Haiti, to which the Foreign Secretary announced a £5 million ODA contribution on 9 April, will improve this. We are also working closely with partners, including the UN mission in Haiti (BINUH).

Haiti: Humanitarian Situation

Lisa Nandy: To ask the Deputy Foreign Secretary, whether his Department has undertaken contingency planning with the British Overseas Territories in the Caribbean for steps to be taken in the event of a deterioration in the humanitarian situation in Haiti.

David Rutley: The UK remains committed to the safety and security of all British Overseas Territories. Since the deterioration of the humanitarian situation in Haiti we have worked closely, with other international partners, to continue to strengthen the resilience of the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) in responding to the risk of illegal migration. In March, the Foreign Secretary set out the support we are providing to TCI to secure its borders and we have funded a visit by a team of experts from the Home Office and Ministry of Defence to recommend further measures. We have also funded asylum training across the Overseas Territories and are working with the Home Office to bolster capabilities further.

Haiti: Humanitarian Situation

Lisa Nandy: To ask the Deputy Foreign Secretary, what recent discussions he has had with regional partners on the humanitarian situation in Haiti.

David Rutley: We continue to work with our international partners to build a coordinated and coherent response so international support can reach people in need. I [Minister Rutley] have engaged significantly on this issue, discussing it with regional and international partners over many months. I most recently engaged with Caribbean partners during my attendance at the CARICOM Heads of Government meeting in Guyana on 26 February, where I discussed concerns about - and options to respond to - the security situation in Haiti with interlocuters. The difficult security situation within Haiti has impeded humanitarian access and we will continue to work with our international partners to build a coordinated and coherent response so international support can reach people in need. It is clear that the climate of insecurity is driving Haiti's humanitarian needs, and we hope that deployment of the Multinational Security Support (MSS) Mission in Haiti, to which the Foreign Secretary announced a £5 million ODA contribution on 9 April, will improve this.

Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office: India

Navendu Mishra: To ask the Deputy Foreign Secretary, how many staff in his Department were based in the Republic of India as of 15 April 2024.

David Rutley: The FCDO currently has between 40-49 staff, as at the end of March 2024, working in India.

Armenia: Azerbaijan

Stephen Doughty: To ask the Deputy Foreign Secretary, what recent assessment he has made of the potential implications for his policies of recent discussions between Armenia and Azerbaijan; and what diplomatic support his Department is providing in relation to such discussions.

Ms Nusrat Ghani: The UK welcomes the recent discussions between Armenia and Azerbaijan and the agreed progress on the delimitation of their international border, based on the 1991 Alma-Ata Declaration. We encourage both parties to continue their open and constructive dialogue in order to finalise a lasting peace agreement. The UK stands ready to support them in doing so, alongside our international partners.

Nagorno Karabakh: Refugees

Stephen Doughty: To ask the Deputy Foreign Secretary, whether his Department providing support to Armenia to assist with refugees from Nagorno-Karabakh.

Ms Nusrat Ghani: The UK has provided £1 million to the Red Cross movement to provide life-saving medication, healthcare and other essential support to those affected by September's conflict. We also provided further medical assistance to survivors in Armenia in partnership with UK-Med, including medical supplies to the National Centre for Burns and Dermatology. We are liaising with the UN, the Red Cross movement and others to further assess humanitarian need in the region.

EU Countries: Immigration Controls

Mr David Jones: To ask the Deputy Foreign Secretary, whether his Department has held recent discussions with the European Commission on a derogation for the UK from the EU Entry/Exit System.

Ms Nusrat Ghani: The Government engages with the European Commission on a range of border issues, including the EU Entry/Exit System. This is a cross-government effort and we continue to work closely with the Home Office and Department for Transport.

Department for Education

Childcare: Staff

Bridget Phillipson: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, with reference to the National Audit Office's value for money report entitled Preparations to extend early years entitlements for working parents in England on the expansion of government funded childcare, published on 24 April 2024, what steps she is taking to track the number of childcare staff required in each region for the expansion in 30-hours funded childcare, in addition to her Department’s national level projection.

David Johnston: Under Section 6 of the Childcare Act 2006, local authorities are responsible for ensuring that the provision of childcare is sufficient to meet the requirements of parents in their area. The department has regular contact with each local authority in England to discuss the rollout of the expanded entitlements and the sufficiency of childcare. This includes understanding whether early years workforce recruitment and retention in each local authority is sufficient to meet the demand for new places. Where local authorities report sufficiency challenges, the department discusses what action the local authority is taking to address those issues and where needed provide support to the local authority with any specific requirements through the department’s childcare sufficiency support contract. Additionally, the department collects information on the childcare workforce through the Survey of Childcare and Early Years Providers and regular pulse surveys. The Childcare and Early Years Providers survey is available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/childcare-and-early-years-providers-survey-2023, and the pulse survey is available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-impact-of-childcare-reforms-on-childcare-and-early-years-providers.

Childcare

Bridget Phillipson: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, with reference to para 3.11 of the National Audit Office's value for money report entitled Preparations to extend early years entitlements for working parents in England on the expansion of government funded childcare, published on 24 April 2024, what indicators she plans to use to track progress of the childcare roll-out; and what criteria would need to be met for her Department to change its assessment of the likelihood of meeting the September (a) 2024 and (b) 2025 phases of the roll-out.

David Johnston: Key Performance Indicators will be used to measure delivery performance against a range of objectives including:More families accessing government funded childcare and an increase in the numbers of staff and places in the sector. In the lead up to the April 2024 delivery milestone the department saw these indicators improve, with over 200,000 children finding places and no reports of insufficiency from local authorities. The department would expect to see a similar results in the lead up to September 2024 and September 2025.

Special Educational Needs

Sir Mark Hendrick: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what recent steps her Department has taken to increase the number of places for (a) children with autism and (b) children with special needs in schools.

David Johnston: In March 2024, the department announced trusts to run 30 new special free schools, which included 17 designated to cater for pupils with autism. The Spring Budget announced funding for 15 special free schools. The department will announce the location of these new schools in May.In March the department also published just under £850 million of High Needs Provision Capital Allocations for the 2023/24 and 2024/25 financial years. This funding forms part of our transformational investment of £2.6 billion in new high needs provision between 2022 and 2025. Local authorities can use the funding to deliver new places in mainstream and special schools, as well as other specialist settings, and to improve the suitability and accessibility of existing buildings.

Childcare

Bridget Phillipson: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, with reference to the National Audit Office's value for money report entitled Preparations to extend early years entitlements for working parents in England on the expansion of government funded childcare, published on 24 April 2024, which local authorities she estimates will need to increase their childcare hours by 20% or more by September 2025.

David Johnston: As the National Audit Office (NAO) recently reported, the department has developed a model to estimate supply and demand nationally and locally. This allows the department to estimate the required increases in early years hours to meet demand for key delivery milestones. The regional differences are illustrated in Figure 11 of the NAO report. Further detail of this analysis has not been published. It has been shared directly with local authorities to use alongside their local intelligence and support local sufficiency assessments. The supply and demand model is updated regularly with the latest data, including as more parents apply for eligibility codes and the department has an improved understanding of local demand. The indicative output of this supply and demand modelling is only one factor the department takes into account when judging the scale of the challenge a local authority faces. The department also accounts for the local authorities own assessment of supply and demand and their responses to the departments readiness assessments.

Special Educational Needs

Sir Mark Hendrick: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps her Department is taking to tackle the backlog in issuing education, health and care (EHC) plans for children; and whether she plans to make an assessment of the impact of delays on the (a) short and (b) long term development of children.

David Johnston: Where local authorities are failing to deliver consistent outcomes for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) – including failing to produce timely Education, Health and Care (EHC) assessments – the department will work with them using a range of improvement programmes and SEND specialist advisors to address weaknesses. The department’s SEND and alternative provision (AP) Improvement Plan recognised the need to reduce delays in children and young people receiving timely assessments and support and has a clear focus on early intervention. Through the SEND and AP Change Programme, the department is testing a range of reforms to improve the EHC plan process, including standardised templates and guidance, the use of multi-agency panels to improve decision-making, digital reforms, and strengthened mediation arrangements.

Social Services: Training

Alex Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, whether her Department has made an assessment of the potential merits of specialist (a) training and (b) accreditation on (i) alcohol and (ii) other drugs for social workers.

David Johnston: The regulator for the social work profession, Social Work England, sets professional standards. These are standards all social workers must meet. The professional standards include that social workers must be able to address social care needs arising from substance misuse. Social workers complete initial education and training and then they are supported by an Assessed and Supported Year in Employment (ASYE). For child and family social workers the ASYE is due to be replaced by an Early Career Framework. Post-qualification training of social workers is the responsibility of employers such as local authorities and the NHS.

Schools: Admissions

Mr Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what recent assessment she has made of the adequacy of the number of (a) primary and (b) secondary school places.

Damian Hinds: The statutory duty to provide sufficient school places sits with local authorities. The department collects pupil forecasts and school capacity data from local authorities annually through the School Capacity (SCAP) survey. The most recent SCAP data shows a need for 30,000 additional primary places and 40,000 additional secondary places between May 2023 and September 2027. The department provides capital funding through the Basic Need grant to support local authorities to provide school places, based on the data they provide. The department has announced nearly £1.5 billion to support local authorities to create school places needed over the next three academic years, up to and including the academic year starting September 2026. This funding is on top of the department’s investment in the free schools programme and means the department has now committed Basic Need capital funding of over £14 billion to support the creation of new school places between 2011 and 2026. The department also engages with local authorities on a regular basis to review their plans for creating additional places and to consider alternatives where necessary. When local authorities are experiencing difficulties, the department supports them to find solutions as quickly as possible. Between 2010 and 2023, the department supported the creation of 722,000 primary and 466,000 secondary places in response to a substantial increase in pupil numbers. This is the largest increase in school capacity in at least two generations, following a fall of 100,000 places between 2004 and 2010. Many more places are in the pipeline.

Further Education and Higher Education: Northumberland

Ian Lavery: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, if she will make an assessment of the potential impact of the failure to agree a deal to build a gigafactory in Cambois on (a) the Gen Zero Campus in Ashington and (b) Energy Central Campus in Blyth.

Damian Hinds: The Ashington campus of Northumberland College is one of the 16 large scale transformational projects that are being delivered by the department in partnership with colleges, as part of the £1.5 billion Further Education Capital Transformation Programme. The 16 colleges in this phase of the programme have some of the worst condition sites in England. The new campus in Ashington is a Gen-Zero development, designed to be ultra-low carbon in both construction and operation, and will provide exciting career pathways for learners across Northumberland and the wider region. The department is funding this project in order to improve the condition of the further education college estate and its investment is not linked to the gigafactory. The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities state that the case for the Energy Central Campus in Blyth was based on an assessment of existing net zero skills requirements across the North-East of England. Progress on construction of Phase 1, the Energy Central Learning Hub, is progressing well, with the Hub on course to open in autumn 2024.

Education and Skills Funding Agency: Consultants

Sir John Hayes: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, how much the Education and Skills Funding Agency has spent on external consultants in each of the last five years.

Damian Hinds: Over the last five years, the Education and Skills Funding Agency has spent the following on external consultants:2019/20: £504,0002020/21: £754,0002021/22: £726,0002022/23: £345,0002023/24: £1,560,000The majority of the external consultancy expenditure relates to Schools Resource Management Advisers who provide resource management advice to school leaders.

Department of Health and Social Care

Stepping Hill Hospital: Repairs and Maintenance

Navendu Mishra: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, pursuant to the Answer of 21 March 2024 to Question 17965 on Stepping Hill Hospital: Repairs and Maintenance, what assessment her Department has made of the potential impact of the state of repair of buildings at Stepping Hill hospital on capacity in (a) Stockport and (b) Greater Manchester.

Andrew Stephenson: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Fertility: Electronic Cigarettes

Mr Gregory Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether her Department has made an assessment of the potential impact of vaping on fertility.

Andrea Leadsom: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Joint Replacements: North East

Grahame Morris: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, how many people have been waiting more than 12 months for (a) knee and (b) hip replacement surgery in the North East as of 29 April 2024.

Andrew Stephenson: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Genito-urinary Medicine: Clinics

Karin Smyth: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what discussions she has had with the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities on funding for sexual health clinics.

Andrea Leadsom: Local authorities are responsible for commissioning comprehensive, open access sexual health services that meet the local demand, and these include online and face to face provision of advice and interventions. Individual local authorities decide on spending priorities based on an assessment of local need for sexual health services, as well as the blend of service access that best suits their population.In 2024/25 we are allocating £3.6 billion to local authorities in England to fund public health services, including sexual health services, through the Public Health Grant. This will provide local authorities with an average 2.1% cash increase compared to 2023/24. No specific discussions on funding for sexual health clinics have been held with the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities.

Genito-urinary Medicine: Clinics

Karin Smyth: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what estimate she has made of the number of sexual health clinics which offer cryotherapy treatment.

Andrea Leadsom: Dedicated local sexual health services play a key public health role in diagnosis, early treatment, and management of sexually transmitted infections, cryotherapy being one form of treatment for genital warts. Individual local authorities are responsible for commissioning decisions about the sexual health services, to best meet the needs of their local populations, including providing open-access sexual health testing and treatment services. The Department has not assessed the number of sexual health clinics which offer cryotherapy treatment.

NHS: Childcare

Karin Smyth: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what estimate she has made of the number of staff working in the NHS who will be eligible to access extended childcare support.

Andrew Stephenson: No specific estimate has been made.

Nurses: Training

Karin Smyth: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what estimate she has made of the number of nursing associates who completed training in 2023-24.

Andrew Stephenson: The Department does not hold the information requested. As a guide to the scale of nursing associates completing training, the number of nursing associates joining the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) register for the first time is published twice a year by the NMC. The latest available data, to September 2023, is available at the following link:https://www.nmc.org.uk/about-us/reports-and-accounts/registration-statistics/

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: Leeds

Alex Sobel: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if she will make an assessment of the implications for her policies of the average waiting time for people diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder to receive their first medication prescription in Leeds.

Maria Caulfield: It is the responsibility of the integrated care boards (ICBs) to make available appropriate provision to meet the health and care needs of their local population, including access to attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) treatment, in line with relevant National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidance. The NICE guideline on ADHD does not set out a timeframe within which medication for ADHD should be provided. The Department has not made a specific assessment of the implications on departmental policies of the average waiting time from diagnosis of ADHD, to receiving a first medication prescription in Leeds.In respect of the adequacy of ADHD service provision nationally, in December 2023, NHS England initiated a rapid piece of work to consider ADHD service provision within the National Health Service. The initial phase of work identified challenges, including with current service models and the ability to keep pace with demand. Following this initial review, NHS England is establishing a new ADHD taskforce alongside the Government, to look at ADHD service provision and its impact on patient experience. The new taskforce will bring together expertise from across a broad range of sectors, including the NHS, education, and justice, to better understand the challenges affecting people with ADHD, and help provide a joined up approach in response to concerns around rising demand for assessments and support.Alongside the work of the taskforce, NHS England has announced that it will continue to work with stakeholders to develop a national ADHD data improvement plan, carry out more detailed work to understand the provider and commissioning landscape, and capture examples from local health systems which are trialling innovative ways of delivering ADHD services to ensure best practice is captured and shared across the system.

Autism: Lancashire

Sir Mark Hendrick: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what plans her Department has to (a) expand and (b) improve autism services in (i) Lancashire and (ii) Preston for (A) adults and (B) children.

Maria Caulfield: It is the responsibility of integrated care boards (ICBs) to make available appropriate provision to meet the health and care needs of their local population, including services to support autistic people, in line with relevant National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guidelines.Lancashire and South Cumbria ICB advises that it is currently reviewing its all-age autism pathway, and is in the initial stages of completing consultations with system partners and stakeholders. The ICB is aiming to complete the review, and proposals for a future pathway for 2025/26, by the end of this calendar year. In addition to this work, the ICB is reviewing the service specifications in place for the keyworker team, specialist autism team, and forensic autism team with the local provider, to ensure that the commissioned offer reflects the current needs of their population.Nationally, we are taking steps to improve autism services. NHS England published a national framework and operational guidance for autism assessment services on 5 April 2023. These documents are intended to help the National Health Service improve autism assessment services, and improve the experience for adults and children who are going through an autism assessment. They also set out what support should be available before an assessment, and what support should follow a recent diagnosis of autism. We are currently updating the Autism Act Statutory Guidance to support the NHS and local authorities to deliver improved outcomes for autistic people. This will include setting out what NHS organisations and local authorities must and should be doing to support autistic people.

Autism: Leeds

Alex Sobel: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if she will make an assessment of the adequacy of the number of professionals able to offer pre-school autism assessments in Leeds.

Maria Caulfield: An assessment of the adequacy of the number of professionals able to offer pre-school autism assessments in Leeds is not currently planned. It is the responsibility of integrated care boards (ICBs) to make available appropriate provision to meet the health and care needs of their local population, including autism assessment services, in line with relevant clinical guidelines.The West Yorkshire ICB advises that pre-school autism assessments in Leeds were temporarily stopped due to a shortage of professionals. The service remains suspended as it needs one full time equivalent clinical psychologist. The post has recently been recruited, and plans are in place for the service to reopen by the end of June 2024.Nationally, we are taking steps to improve autism assessment services. NHS England published a national framework and operational guidance for autism assessment services on 5 April 2023. These documents are intended to help the National Health Service improve autism assessment services, and improve the experience for adults and children who are going through an autism assessment. They also set out what support should be available before an assessment, and what support should follow a recent diagnosis of autism.

Hormone Replacement Therapy

Jim Shannon: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps she is taking to help ensure equitable provision of Hormone Replacement Therapy for women.

Maria Caulfield: The menopause is a priority area within the Women’s Health Strategy, and the Government and National Health Service are implementing an ambitious programme of work to improve menopause care, so all women can access the support they need, including hormone replacement therapy (HRT).We have reduced the cost of HRT prescriptions through the HRT prescription prepayment certificate (PPC), which enables women who pay for their prescriptions to pay less than £20 for all their HRT prescriptions for a year. In the first year, 1 April 2023 to 31 March 2024, 566,042 HRT PPCs have been purchased.

CJD: Diagnosis

Ben Lake: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what recent assessment she has made of the reliability of diagnostic testing of blood samples for vCJD.

Maria Caulfield: Clinical diagnostic testing for variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (vCJD) is provided by the National Health Service, but there is currently no licensed blood screening test for vCJD, although there is ongoing research in this field. The National CJD Research and Surveillance Unit is involved in developing specialist investigations for vCJD, in collaboration with colleagues in Europe and internationally, with further information available at the following link:https://www.cjd.ed.ac.uk/surveillance/diagnosis-and-testing

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: Leeds North West

Alex Sobel: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps she is taking to reduce waiting times for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder assessments in Leeds North West constituency.

Alex Sobel: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if she will make an assessment of the implications for her policies of the number of (a) people that are on a waiting list and (b) assessments provided each month at the Leeds adult attention deficit hyperactivity disorder service.

Maria Caulfield: It is the responsibility of the integrated care boards (ICBs) to make available the appropriate provision to meet the health and care needs of their local population, including access to attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) assessments, in line with relevant National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines. The NICE guidelines for ADHD diagnosis and management aim to improve the diagnosis of ADHD and the quality of care and support people receive. The NICE guidelines do not recommend a maximum waiting time standard for ADHD diagnosis, either from referral for an assessment to receiving an assessment, a diagnosis, or a first contact appointment.There is, at present, no single, established dataset that can be used to monitor waiting times for assessment for ADHD. A specific assessment of the implications for departmental policies of the number of people on a waiting list, or the number of assessments provided each month for adult ADHD services in Leeds, is not currently planned.The Department is exploring options to improve data collection and reporting on ADHD assessment waiting times nationally, to help improve access to ADHD assessments in a timely way, and in line with the NICE guideline. In support of this, the National Institute for Health and Care Research’s Policy Research Programme has commissioned a research project to provide insights into local ADHD diagnosis waiting times data collection.In December 2023, NHS England initiated a rapid piece of work to consider ADHD service provision within the National Health Service. The initial phase of work identified challenges, including with current service models and the ability to keep pace with demand. Following this initial review, NHS England is establishing a new ADHD taskforce alongside the Government, to improve care for people living with the condition. The new taskforce will bring together expertise from across a broad range of sectors, including the NHS, education, and justice, to better understand the challenges affecting people with ADHD and help provide a joined-up approach in response to concerns around rising demand for assessments and support.Alongside the work of the taskforce, NHS England has announced that it will continue to work with stakeholders to develop a national ADHD data improvement plan, carry out more detailed work to understand the provider and commissioning landscape, and capture examples from local health systems who are trialling innovative ways of delivering ADHD services, to ensure best practice is captured and shared across the system.

Drugs: High Security Hospitals and Prisons

Rachael Maskell: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps she is taking in the (a) prison service and (b) secure hospital service to reduce harm from synthetic drugs.

Maria Caulfield: We are actively monitoring, and responding to, the continued threat posed by the growing levels of potent synthetic opioids in the United Kingdom. NHS England is working with the Department, the Ministry of Justice, and HM Prison and Probation Service to establish an effective early warning system in prisons to share information and intelligence on the prevalence of synthetic opioids.NHS England is also establishing a Task and Finish group for their Clinical Reference Group (CRG), working to adapt the current framework for healthcare staff management of people suspected of having internally secreted drugs. The updated framework for healthcare staff will help enhance responses to suspected or potential drug poisonings, including those related to synthetic opioids. To enhance our first aid response in prisons, feedback is also being sought from the CRG in relation to the administration of naloxone under circumstances where a drug poisoning may be related to stronger synthetic opioids.

Autism and Learning Disability

Sir Robert Buckland: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment her Department has made of the effectiveness of NHS England’s Dynamic Support Register policy.

Maria Caulfield: NHS England published updated policy and guidance on Dynamic Support Registers (DSRs) and Care (Education) and Treatment Reviews (C(E)TRs) on 25 January 2023, for implementation from 1 May 2023. The purpose of the updated policy and guidance is to help ensure that people with a learning disability and autistic people get the right support, to stay well in their communities.NHS England produced the updated policy and guidance following a process of reviewing the learning since the inception of DSRs and C(E)TRs, including consultation and engagement with people with lived experience. This process included drawing on the findings of the Norfolk Safeguarding Adults Board’s review of the deaths of Joanna, Jon, and Ben at Cawston Park in Norfolk, and the subsequent safe and wellbeing reviews for all people with a learning disability and autistic people in mental health hospitals.

Trastuzumab Deruxtecan

Ruth Cadbury: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what representations she has made to NICE on the availability of Enhertu.

Andrew Stephenson: The Department meets regularly with the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) to discuss a range of issues, including access to medicines. The NICE has recommended Enhertu, also known as trastuzumab deruxtecan and made by Daiichi Sankyo, for use through the Cancer Drugs Fund, for the treatment of HER2-positive metastatic or unresectable breast cancer. It is available to eligible National Health Service patients in England, in line with the NICE’s recommendations.The NICE is currently evaluating Enhertu for the treatment of HER2-low metastatic or unresectable breast cancer. Following negotiations between NHS England and the company, which concluded without a commercial agreement to make it available at a cost-effective price for the NHS, the NICE published final draft guidance on 5 March 2024, that does not recommend it as an option for this indication. The NICE remains open to further discussions with NHS England and the company, and currently expects to publish final guidance on 15 May 2024.

Children and Young People Cancer Taskforce

Sir George Howarth: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps she is taking to ensure the (a) experiences and (b) specialist needs of young people with cancer are reflected in the work of the Children and Young People Cancer Taskforce.

Sir George Howarth: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps her Department is taking to consult young people with cancer affected by cancer during the development of the Children and Young People Taskforce.

Andrew Stephenson: Supporting children and young people affected by cancer remains a priority for the Government. The scope of the Children and Young People Cancer Taskforce, including stakeholder engagement, will be determined once the work of the taskforce begins, currently planned to start from Spring 2024.The Children and Young People Cancer Taskforce is being set up to progress the Government’s mission to deliver world-leading cancer services. This is dedicated work focusing on cancers affecting children and young people and will explore detection and diagnosis, including improving awareness of the signs and symptoms of cancer in young people, as well as genomic testing, treatment, and research and innovation.

Members: Correspondence

Dr Rosena Allin-Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, when she plans to respond to the correspondence of 18 March 2024 from the hon. Members for Tooting, Putney, Wimbledon, Mitcham and Morden, Richmond Park and Twickenham on children's cancer services in the South East.

Andrew Stephenson: We have received the hon. Members’ correspondence of 18 March, and will respond in due course.

Social Services: Employment

Alex Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if she will make an assessment of the potential merits of developing a social worker workforce strategy that prioritises (a) recruitment, (b) retention and (c) professional pathways.

Helen Whately: In December 2021, the Government set out its strategy for the social care workforce in The People at the Heart of Care white paper. This set out our commitment to the continued success of the social work profession, and included plans to develop the domestic care workforce, including the launch of the care workforce pathway and an investment of over £20 million for adult social care nurse and social work apprenticeships.On 10 January 2024, the Government announced a new fund to support the recruitment of social work apprentices into adult social care, over the next three years. Nearly £8 million from this fund has already been released to local authorities, and in the summer there will be another opportunity to apply to this fund.

Health Services: Pay

Kim Johnson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, with reference to her Department's press release entitled One-off payments of up to £3,000 for over 27,000 health workers, published on 25 March 2024, what steps her Department is taking to ensure parity between clinical and recently insourced nonclinical staff for those payments.

Andrew Stephenson: The non-consolidated payments agreed as part of the Agenda for Change pay deal covered staff directly employed by National Health Service organisations, such as staff on permanent and fixed term contracts, as set out in Annex 1 of the handbook on Agenda for Change terms as of 31 March 2023. Those who joined the NHS after 31 March 2023 were ineligible for the award, regardless of profession. The recent funding agreed did not change individuals’ eligibility, and the scope of the pay award remains the same.

Drugs: Shortages

David Linden: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment she has made of the potential implications for her policies of trends in the number of warnings from drugs companies on impending supply problems for certain products; and what steps her Department is taking to help ensure stability of supply for essential medications.

Andrew Stephenson: There are approximately 14,000 medicines licensed for supply in the United Kingdom, and the overwhelming majority are in good supply. The medicine supply chain is complex, global, and highly regulated, and supply issues can be caused by a range of factors. For example, suppliers can encounter manufacturing problems, difficulty accessing raw materials, and surges in demand. These are commonly cited as the drivers of recent supply issues, which have affected many countries, not just the UK.The number of supply issue notifications received by the Department has remained relatively stable through 2022 and 2023. This followed an initial increase in 2021 following the introduction of a new reporting portal for manufacturers, in October 2020, which is used to notify the Department of potential issues, shortages, and discontinuations.Whilst we can’t always prevent supply issues, we have a range of well-established tools and processes to mitigate risks to patients. These include close and regular engagement with suppliers, use of alternative strengths or forms of a medicine to allow patients to remain on the same product, expediting regulatory procedures, sourcing unlicensed imports from abroad, adding products to the restricted exports and hoarding list, use of Serious Shortage Protocols (SSPs), and issuing National Health Service communications to provide management advice and information on the issue to healthcare professionals, so they can advise and support their patients.

Community Nurses

Dr Dan Poulter: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, how many full-time equivalent district nurses worked in the NHS in England in each financial year since 2009-10.

Andrew Stephenson: NHS England publishes Hospital and Community Health Services workforce statistics for England. These include staff working for hospital trusts and other core organisations, but excludes staff working for other providers such as in primary care, general practice, or social care. This data is drawn from the Electronic Staff Record, the human resources system for the National Health Service. The statistics, including those for district nurses, are available at the following link:https://digital.nhs.uk/data-and-information/publications/statistical/monthly-nhs-hospital-and-community-health-service-hchs-workforce-statistics We know that district nurses will also work outside NHS trusts, for other providers of community services. We do not hold data on the number of district nurses working outside the NHS. The Nursing and Midwifery Council publishes data on the number of nurses with district nursing qualifications on the professional register across the United Kingdom, and is available at the following link: https://www.nmc.org.uk/about-us/reports-and-accounts/registration-statistics/

NHS: Databases

Navendu Mishra: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, pursuant to the Answer of 29 April 2024 to Question 23065 on NHS: Databases, if he will hold discussions with the Federation of Clinical Registries on the (a) procurement and (b) centralising of clinical registries by the Medical Devices Outcome Registry programme.

Andrew Stephenson: NHS England’s Patient Outcomes and Registries Programme is not centralising all clinical registries. The programme is: providing a new, improved national approach to NHS England funded clinical registries that optimises the security and use of patient data to improve patient safety vigilance and to improve patient outcomes, innovation, and value; and expanding the coverage of NHS England’s clinical registries and patient reported outcome measurement into new areas, to meet the independent Cumberlege and Paterson enquiry requirements to improve patient outcomes. The programme is undertaking extensive engagement, and we propose that any meetings with specific stakeholder groups about the programme are organised via the Medical Devices Outcome Registry Programme Director.

Cancer: Health Services

Navendu Mishra: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, with reference to paragraph 3.64 of the NHS Long Term Plan, published in January 2019, what steps she is taking to ensure that every person diagnosed with cancer will have access to (a) personalised care, (b) a needs assessment, (c) a care plan and (d) health and wellbeing information and support.

Andrew Stephenson: Ensuring every person diagnosed with cancer has access to personalised care and support is a key priority for the Government. The NHS Long Term Plan for cancer states that where appropriate, every person diagnosed with cancer will have access to personalised care, including needs assessment, a care plan, and health and wellbeing information and support. NHS England is committed to ensuring that all cancer patients have access to a Holistic Needs Assessment and Personalised Care and Support Planning, ensuring care is focused on what matters most to each person. Additionally, End of Treatment Summaries are being introduced, which aims to empower people to manage the impact of their cancer after treatment. Health and wellbeing information and support is provided from diagnosis onwards, and includes access to NHS Talking Therapy services for anxiety and depression. This is alongside wider work to improve psychosocial support for people affected by cancer, such as through local partnerships with cancer support charities.NHS England and the integrated care boards are responsible for commissioning and ensuring that the healthcare needs of local communities in England are met, including for cancer patients. NHS England provides access to a personal health budget, which is an amount of National Health Service money that is allocated to support the health and wellbeing needs of a patient, if eligible. Further information is available at the following link:https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/help-with-health-costs/what-is-a-personal-health-budget/

Prosthetics

Navendu Mishra: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, pursuant to the Answer of 18 April 2024 to Question 21490 on Prosthetics, if her Department will make an assessment of the potential merits of updating the stock of prosthetic limbs available.

Andrew Stephenson: The NHS Supply Chain framework for prosthetic componentry will be subject to its next routine procurement exercise in the autumn of 2024, with contracts awarded to commence on 1 April 2025. This does not preclude devices currently not on the framework from being prescribed by prosthetic centres as they are able to order directly from the manufacturer, and report via the exceptions log managed by NHS Supply Chain.

Health Professions: Certification

Karin Smyth: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what estimate she has made of the number of clinicians who started advanced practice pathways in 2023-24.

Andrew Stephenson: The Department does not hold the information requested.

Health Professions: Training

Karin Smyth: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, how many people have taken the accredited NHS Strategic Workforce Planning course through the Chartered Institute of Professional Development.

Andrew Stephenson: The Department does not hold the information requested.

Health Services and Social Services: Labour Turnover

Karin Smyth: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps she is taking to improve recruitment and retention to deliver her Department's integrated one workforce approach.

Andrew Stephenson: The NHS Long Term Workforce Plan sets out how we will meet the workforce needs of the future, through increasing training numbers and reforming training, working differently, and taking action to retain more staff. The plan recommends that integrated care boards (ICBs) and wider system partners prioritise actions that drive recruitment and retention of multi-disciplinary teams, in a one workforce approach.There are a number of key national programmes aimed at supporting regions, ICBs, and providers with recruitment challenges, in growing the workforce. For example, the Overhauling Recruitment programme aims to overhaul and modernise National Health Service recruitment by encouraging innovation and wider access into NHS careers, supporting the growth of a diverse and skilled workforce to meet future demands on healthcare. NHS England will soon be engaging with ICBs and providers to support and enable this transformational change, as it prepares to publish the overhauling recruitment strategic delivery framework.The NHS Long Term Workforce Plan also sets out how to improve culture and leadership to ensure that up to 130,000 fewer staff leave the NHS over the next 15 years. Key to this is the National Retention Programme. The programme builds on the NHS People Promise, and supports integrated care systems (ICSs), which are made up of ICBs and integrated care partnerships, regions, NHS trusts, and organisations, to improve employee experience and retain their people, and thereby reduce the NHS staff leaver rates. Support for organisations and ICSs can be accessed via the Retention Hub, which outlines initiatives mapped against the People Promise, access to tools, guides, and case studies to enable improvements and contact details for regional colleagues support the retention agenda in each of the seven regions. Further information is available at the following link: https://www.england.nhs.uk/looking-after-our-people/the-programme-and-resources/

Mental Capacity: Codes of Practice

Alex Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if his Department will publish the revised Mental Capacity Act Code of Practice before the end of this parliament.

Helen Whately: We are continuing to discuss revisions to the Mental Capacity Act Code of Practice, consulted on in 2022, with the Ministry of Justice. Further details on next steps will be shared with the sector in due course.

Department for Work and Pensions

Universal Credit: Carers

David Linden: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what steps his Department takes to ensure that single household payments of Universal Credit are paid into the main caregiver’s account.

Jo Churchill: A prompt on the online Universal Credit application form, suggests that the customer uses the bank, building society or credit union account details for the carer who spends the most time looking after the children.

Universal Credit: Disability

Jim Shannon: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, whether he is taking steps to ensure that single claimants with long-term disabilities receive the same benefits under Universal Credit as under the legacy system.

Jo Churchill: Universal Credit provides more generous support for disabled people than it does for people in similar circumstances who are not disabled. Based on the outcome of a work capability assessment, it may be decided that a claimant has limited capability for work and work-related activity, and may be awarded an additional amount of benefit, currently £416.19 per calendar month from (2024/25 rates). Additionally, where it is decided that claimants have limited capability for work or limited capability for work and work-related activity, they are eligible for a work allowance. The Government has given a commitment that no eligible claimants who are invited to move to Universal Credit (UC), from legacy benefits, by the Department for Work and Pensions, and whose circumstances remain the same, will have a lower entitlement to UC than they had entitlement to their legacy benefits at the point of moving. Where necessary, eligible claimants will be awarded Transitional Protection (TP) in the form of a Transitional Element (TE) to ensure this commitment is met. Severe disability premium (SDP) transitional payments are available to claimants who became entitled to Universal Credit (UC) within a month of being entitled to severe disability premium (SDP) within a legacy benefit. In a case where the legacy benefit had terminated within that month the claimant must have continued to satisfy the eligibility conditions for SDP up to and including the first day of their UC award. The relevant legacy benefits are: Income Support.Jobseeker’s Allowance (income based).Employment and Support Allowance (income related); orHousing Benefit New regulations came into force on 14th February 2024 and provide newly eligible claimants additional transitional protection where they are entitled to the transitional SDP element.The claimants must also have been previously entitled to other disability premia in the month preceding their claim to UC, and continue to satisfy the eligibility conditions up to and including the first day of their UC award, to one or more of the following:Enhanced disability premiumDisability premiumdisabled child premium or the disabled child element (in child tax credits) -and are now receiving the lower rate disabled child addition in Universal Credit.

Employment: Poverty

Angela Crawley: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what steps he is taking to reduce levels of in-work poverty in (a) Lanark and Hamilton East constituency, (b) Scotland and (c) the UK.

Jo Churchill: The latest available statistics show that working age adults living in workless households were around 7 times more likely to be in absolute poverty after housing costs than working age adults in households where all adults work. The Government is committed to supporting individuals who are stuck in low paid work to progress, helping them increase their earnings. We have introduced a voluntary In-Work progression offer for low-paid Universal Credit customers which focuses on removing barriers to progression, such as considering skills gaps and overcoming practical barriers such as childcare costs. To deliver effective progression support to customers, Jobcentres are being supported by a network of 37 District Progression Leads across Great Britain who work with key partners to develop local opportunities. To help parents on Universal Credit who are moving into work or increasing their hours, the Government is providing additional support with upfront childcare costs and, from April 2024, we will increase the childcare costs that parents on Universal Credit can claim back to over £1,000 a month for one child and to over £1,700 a month for two or more children. The Government is also increasing the number of people on Universal Credit who receive intensive support to help them earn more by raising the Administrative Earnings Threshold (AET). At the Spring Budget we announced that the AET would increase to the equivalent of 18 hours at the National Living Wage from 13 May. From April 2024, the Government increased the National Living Wage for workers aged 21 years and over by 9.8% to £11.44 representing an increase of over £1,800 to the gross annual earnings of a full-time worker on the National Living Wage.

Carer's Allowance: Overpayments

Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many alerts from the Verified Earnings and Pensions service informing his Department of carers’ earnings information were (a) passed and (b) not passed on to carers in each of the last five years; and whether he has made an assessment of the effectiveness of VEPs in preventing large value overpayments for Carer's Allowance.

Paul Maynard: Rounded2019/202020/212021/222022/232023/24The number of CA cases identified through the VEP system91,00073,00096,000107,00067,000The number of cases reviewed by CA35,00038,00046,00050,00035,000 Overpayments are recoverable from the Carer where there is evidence that the Carer failed to timeously inform the Department of changes in circumstances. The annual benefit uprating letter issued highlights the need to report changes such and changes in earnings. The Department also uses data from HMRC to indicate where the customer may have had a change in income and failed to inform us. The Department also takes steps to avoid large scale overpayments that are not recoverable. This includes managing workloads at appropriate levels so changes in circumstance are processed timeously. CaveatsNumbers are rounded to the nearest 1,000.The above data has been sourced from internal DWP management information, which is intended only to help the Department to manage its business. It is not intended for publication and has not been subject to the same quality assurance checks applied to our published official statistics.Data for October, November, and December 2023 is not held.

State Retirement Pensions

Richard Graham: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how much the full basic State Pension increased in cash terms between (a) 1997 and 2010 and (b) 2010 and 2024.

Paul Maynard: Between April 1997 and April 2010, the basic State Pension increased from £62.45 per week to £97.65 per week– representing an increase of £35.20 or 56 per cent in cash terms. The full yearly amount of the basic State Pension increased by £1,837. Between April 2010 and April 2024 the basic State Pension increased from £97.65 per week to £169.50 – representing an increase of £71.85 per week or 74 per cent in cash terms. The full yearly amount of the basic State Pension increased by £3,749.

Carer's Allowance

Owen Thompson: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what recent assessment his Department has made of the potential merits of extending the eligibility criteria for Carers Allowance for carers with overpayments of National Insurance contributions.

Mims Davies: Entitlement to Carer’s Allowance is not based on having paid, or been credited with, National Insurance contributions, or on passing a means test. Rather, the basic entitlement conditions largely relate to the care being provided; whether the carer is in gainful employment or studying full-time; and residency tests. Carer’s Allowance is a devolved benefit in Scotland.

Support for Mortgage Interest

Beth Winter: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, if he will make an assessment of the potential merits of reverting Support for Mortgage Interest from an interest-bearing loan to (a) an interest free loan and (b) a grant.

Mims Davies: Support in the form of loans meets the policy objective of averting the threat of repossession but in a way that provides a fairer balance between the needs of the individual and the burden on taxpayers, many of whom are unable to afford a mortgage of their own. Interest is charged at the gilt rate as this represents the cost to Government of providing the loans.

Support for Mortgage Interest

Beth Winter: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, if he will make an assessment of the potential merits of increasing the maximum amount of any mortgage on which Support for Mortgage Interest can be claimed.

Mims Davies: There are no current plans to increase the maximum amount of mortgage on which SMI can be claimed.

Carer's Allowance

Owen Thompson: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what recent assessment his Department has of the potential merits of extending the eligibility criteria for Carers Allowance for carers with overlapping benefits.

Mims Davies: I refer the Hon. Member to the answer to question UIN 21151 given on 22 April 2024.Carer’s Allowance is a devolved benefit in Scotland.

Personal Independence Payment: Disability

Neil Coyle: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many and what proportion of disabled people receiving Personal Independence Payment are in work.

Mims Davies: In March 2023, 475,000 people in receipt of PIP in England, Wales, or outside the UK were in employment in the UK, including self-employment. The proportion of people in receipt of PIP who are in employment was published in Modernising Support for Independent Living - The Health and Disability Green Paper found here. These figures contain all PIP claimants, including claimants with disabilities and long-term health conditions, and those over pension age.

Carer's Allowance

Owen Thompson: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of increasing the weekly earning limits for Carer’s Allowance.

Mims Davies: I refer the Hon. Member to the answer to question UIN 21148 given on 22 April 2024. Carer’s Allowance is a devolved benefit in Scotland.

Carer's Allowance

Owen Thompson: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what recent assessment his Department has made of the potential merits of extending the eligibility criteria for Carer’s Allowance to a larger number of unpaid carers; and if she will make an assessment of the potential impact of unpaid care work on the (a) physical and (b) mental health of women.

Mims Davies: The Government keeps Carer’s Allowance under review to see whether it is meeting its objectives. It has no current plans to extend the eligibility criteria. Questions on the impact of unpaid care work on individuals are matters for the Department of Health and Social Care in England and for the Devolved Administrations in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Carer’s Allowance is a devolved benefit in Scotland.

Ambulance Services: Medical Certificates

Lisa Nandy: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, whether his Department has made an assessment of the potential merits of allowing paramedics to certify Med3 Fit Notes.

Mims Davies: In 2023 we consulted on further extending certification to other healthcare professions, including paramedics. The Government continues to monitor fit note data following the 2022 legislative changes through analysis of internal quantitative data and commissioned external qualitative research but will not be further extending the professions which can certify fit notes at this time. As part of our wider programme of fit note reform, we will consider how we can best draw on a wide range of professionals to support people to start, stay and succeed in work.

Carers: Cost of Living

Owen Thompson: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, whether his Department is providing additional support to carers to help with rising costs of living.

Mims Davies: The current rate of Carer’s Allowance is £81.90. Since 2010 it has increased from £53.90 to £81.90 a week, providing just under an additional £1500 a year for carers through Carer’s Allowance.In addition to Carer’s Allowance, carers on low incomes can claim income-related benefits, such as Universal Credit and Pension Credit. These benefits can be paid to carers at a higher rate than those without caring responsibilities through the carer element and the additional amount for carers respectively. Currently, the Universal Credit carer element is £198.31 per monthly assessment period. The additional amount for carers in Pension Credit is £45.60 a week.  Since 2022, the Government has demonstrated its commitment to supporting the most vulnerable by providing one of the largest support packages in Europe. The Government has provided support from 2022-23 to 2024-2025 to help households with the cost of living totalling £108 billion. This includes up-rating working age benefits by 6.7% and raising the Local Housing Allowance rates to the 30th percentile of local market rents, benefiting 1.6 million low-income households. Since October 2022, CPI has already more than halved. This is stabilising the financial situation for many families, and the OBR expects that by Quarter 4 2024 (October-December) CPI will have fallen to 1.4%. In the meantime, some people will need further, targeted help to get back to a stable financial position. The Government is providing an additional £500m to enable the extension of the Household Support Fund, including funding for the Devolved Administrations through the Barnett formula to be spent at their discretion. This means that Local Authorities in England will receive an additional £421m to support those in need locally through the Household Support Fund. The funding will be available to Local Authorities in England from 1 April 2024 and will run until 30 September 2024. Carer’s Allowance is a devolved benefit in Scotland.

Carer's Allowance: Overpayments

Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many overpayments his Department is seeking to recover for Carer’s Allowance due to (a) breaches to the earnings limit, (b) exceeding the limit for breaks from caring role in a given period, (c) not caring for 35 hours per week ,(d) other, (e) a combination of reasons and (f) overall.

Paul Maynard: We recognise the significant contribution of carers to supporting those most in need, which is why we have increased Carer's Allowance by almost £1,500 since 2010. Claimants have a responsibility to ensure they are entitled to benefits they claim and to inform the DWP of any changes in their circumstances that could impact their award. Where overpayments do occur, the Department has a duty to the taxpayer to protect public funds and to ask for money to be paid back. We remain committed to working with anyone who is struggling with their repayment terms and will always look to negotiate sustainable and affordable repayment plans. The information requested has been provided in the table below.Carer’s Allowance overpayment reasonVolume of overpayments as at 25 April 2024Earnings over CA Limit107.6kBreak in care3.6kCeased to care/ Not Caring from Outset23.2kOther18.9kTotal153.3k Note that the overpayment reasons for which you have requested breakdowns do not directly align with our Debt Manager system’s overpayment categories. We have provided the reasons which most closely reflect those requested. We are unable to provide data for overpayments caused by “a combination of reasons”, as this is not a category available/ recorded by DWP. Overpayments with values of £0.00 have been excluded. Data is taken as a snapshot as at 25 April 2024 and the figures have been rounded to the nearest hundred. The data has been sourced from internal DWP management information, which is intended only to help the Department to manage its business. It is not intended for publication and has not been subject to the same quality assurance checks applied to our published official statistics.

Access to Work Programme

Vicky Foxcroft: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many and what proportion of Access to Work applicants were awaiting a decision on (a) 1 January, (b) 1 February and (c) 1 March in (i) 2007, (ii) 2008, (iii) 2009 and (iv) 2010.

Mims Davies: The information requested on Access to Work applicants awaiting a decision on (a) 1 January, (b) 1 February and (c) 1 March in (i) 2007, (ii) 2008, (iii) 2009 and (iv) 2010 is not available. However, the Access to Work statistics includes how many applications result in provision being approved from 2007/08 to 2021/22. Please see Table 3 of the Access to Work statistics. The latest Access to Work statistics can be found here.

Cost of Living Payments: Disability

Navendu Mishra: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, pursuant to the Answer of 18 April 2024 to Question 21862 on Cost of Living Payments: Disability, what estimate he has made of the average financial impact per claimant of the discontinuation of Disability Cost of Living Payments.

Mims Davies: No estimate has been made about the discontinuation of Disability Cost of Living Payments. As of April 2024, the rate of inflation has slowed, and the Government has also implemented uprating to benefits to reflect increased costs. We also increased extra costs disability benefits by 10.1 per cent from April 2023 and by 6.7% from April 2024 in line with the Consumer Price Index. For 2023/24 we estimate that nearly 60 per cent of individuals who received an extra costs disability benefit would have received the means-tested benefit Cost of Living Payments, worth up to £900. Over 85 per cent would have received either or both of the means-tested and the £300 Pensioner Cost of Living Payment. An evaluation of the Cost of Living Payments is underway. This will seek to understand their effectiveness as a means of support for low-income and vulnerable household.

Work Capability Assessment: Parkinson's Disease

Alan Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, pursuant to the Answer of 29 April 2024 to Question 23517 on Work Capability Assessment: Parkinson's Disease, when she (a) last met and (b) is next scheduled to meet representatives from Parkinson's UK.

Mims Davies: Ongoing engagement continues with a range of charities and clinical experts specialising in disability and health conditions as well as representatives from national organisations to understand the experiences of people with Parkinson’s going through the Work Capability Assessment. Details of ministerial meetings are published quarterly on gov.uk in line with transparency data releases and can be found here.

Carer's Allowance: Overpayments

Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what steps he has taken to prevent large value overpayments from accruing for Carer’s Allowance since 2019.

Mims Davies: Overpayments are recoverable from the Carer where there is evidence that the Carer failed to timeously inform the Department of changes in circumstances. The annual benefit uprating letter issued highlights the need to report changes such and changes in earnings. The Department also uses data from HMRC to indicate where the customer may have had a change in income and failed to inform us. The Department also takes steps to avoid large scale overpayments that are not recoverable. This includes managing workloads at appropriate levels so changes in circumstance are processed timeously.

Personal Independence Payment: Scotland

David Linden: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what discussions he has had with the Scottish Government on the upcoming consultation on the Personal Independence Payment reforms.

David Linden: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, with reference to the press release entitled Disability benefits system to be reviewed as PM outlines "moral mission" to reform welfare, published on 19 April 2024, what discussions he has had with the Scottish Government on the recently announced proposed reforms to the disability benefits system.

Mims Davies: The department discusses various aspects of social security with the Scottish Government, at both Ministerial and official level. We continue to engage with the Scottish Government to consider the implications of the proposals outlined in the Prime Minister’s announcement and the Health and Disability Green Paper consultation in Scotland. Modernising Support for Independent Living: The Health and Disability Green Paper was published on Monday 29 April. The UK Government is committed to improving the lives of disabled people and people with long-term health conditions in all parts of the UK. Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is devolved in Scotland and has been replaced with Adult Disability Payment. No new claims to PIP have been made in Scotland since August 2022. However, DWP continues to deliver PIP in Scotland for existing cases on behalf of Scottish Ministers whilst Scottish cases are being transferred to Social Security Scotland. All cases are due to be transferred in 2025 and DWP will no longer have any delegated administrative authority regarding PIP in Scotland once transfer is complete.

Universal Support: Disability

Wendy Chamberlain: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many disabled people have been enrolled onto the Universal Support programme since it began.

Wendy Chamberlain: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what proportion of disabled people on the Universal Support pilot found employment.

Mims Davies: Universal Support (US) programme is being delivered in two phases. The expansions to Individual Placement and Support in Primary Care (IPSPC) and the Work and Health Programme (WHP Pioneer) are being rolled out for phase one of the service. US phase two is due to start in Autumn 2024 when IPSPC and WHP are due to come to an end. WHP Pioneer data will start to be published from May 2024 and we are committed to publishing IPSPC programme data in due course. The interim and final evaluation reports for US phase one covering WHP Pioneer and IPSPC, will also be published.

Carer's Allowance: Overpayments

Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, at what financial threshold his Department (a) starts an investigation and (b) seeks overpayment recovery for Carer’s Allowance.

Paul Maynard: The Secretary of State has an obligation to protect public funds by tackling fraud and error and, where legislated, recover overpayments.Specialist trained counter fraud investigators will consider a range of factors, including if a claimant is vulnerable, before starting an investigation. This includes if an overpayment is potentially above £3,000 or the person involved occupies a position of trust or has used false or forged documentation during their claim. DWP keeps these criteria under review. Any overpayment of Carer’s Allowance that arose as a result of a failure to disclose or misrepresentation is recoverable under s.71 of the Social Security Administration Act 1992. DWP does not recover new overpayments below £65 unless they have arisen due to fraud. The Department is committed to negotiating affordable and sustainable repayment plans that do not cause undue financial hardship. We will work with anyone who is struggling with their repayment terms and encourage customers to contact DWP Debt Management. Debt Management will work with individuals to review their financial circumstances and, in most instances, a temporary reduction in their rate of repayment can be agreed.

Ministry of Defence

Defence Equipment & Support: Pay

Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to his letter, reference PQN/23-24/2024/04115, if he will provide a breakdown by position of the 60 individuals at Defence Equipment and Support who earn more than £100,000 a year.

Dr Andrew Murrison: The below table shows the Civil Service grade and respective job family for the 60 individuals in DE&S that earn over £100,000.  Job FamilyJob Family TotalGradeTotalDE&S Commercial8Senior Leadership Group8DE&S Corporate Services17Senior Leadership Group17DE&S Engineering6Senior Leadership Group3 Other Grades2 TUPE: GEN1DE&S Finance & Accounting8Senior Leadership Group8DE&S Human Resources2Senior Leadership Group2DE&S Information Management & IT4Senior Leadership Group4DE&S Operational Delivery2Senior Leadership Group2DE&S Project Delivery13Senior Leadership Group13Grand Total60 Grades in “Other Grades” are as follows: GradeTotalSenior Professional Pay Range 22Grand Total2

Clyde Naval Base: Repairs and Maintenance

Luke Pollard: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many maintenance callouts have been made to HMNB Clyde for (a) roofing, (b) loss of heating and hot water, (c) electrics (d) pest control and (e) damp and mould issues since April 2022.

James Cartlidge: The number of maintenance callouts which have been made to HMNB Clyde is shown in the table below. This covers both Clyde sites, Faslane (including Clyde Off-site Centre) and Coulport and includes c400 buildings/facilities. By their nature defects are wide ranging and this represents everything from minor to major.  CategoryVolumeARoofing570BCall outs for heating/hot water issues732CElectrical11732DPest Control265EDamp and Mould136  Due to the way the data is collected, it is not possible to breakdown category B into further detail.

China: Defence

Fabian Hamilton: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of the implications for his policies of the announcement on 19 March 2024 by China's Ministry of Defence of the establishment of the Information Support Force.

Leo Docherty: On Friday 19 April, the eight-year-old People's Liberation Army (PLA) Strategic Support Force was broken up into three organisations (the Information Support Force, Aerospace Force and Cyberspace Force) as part of China's programme of military modernisation. These three organisations, alongside the pre-existing Joint Logistics Support Force, are now described as the "four arms" of the PLA alongside its "four services" (Ground, Navy, Air Force & Rocket Force). The UK's Ministry of Defence routinely monitors military developments across the globe as part of its policy and strategy process. This includes developments in China.

Navy: Conferences

Fabian Hamilton: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what information his Department holds on the attendance at the 19th Western Pacific Naval Symposium.

Leo Docherty: The 19th Western Pacific Naval Symposium took place in Qingdao, China in April 2024. The Royal Navy was represented by the First Sea Lord, supported by three members of the Naval Staff. Other Chiefs of Navy (or their representatives) attended from: Australia, Brunei, Cambodia, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Fiji, France, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Republic of Korea, Russia, Singapore, Thailand, Tonga, the United States, Vietnam, Bangladesh, Ecuador, India, Mexico, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.

Gaza: Israel

Kenny MacAskill: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether he has shared information gathered by RAF Shadow R1 flights over Gaza with the International Criminal Court.

Leo Docherty: The unarmed UK reconnaissance aircraft are employed solely for the purpose of locating the remaining hostages.

Gaza: Israel

Kenny MacAskill: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether RAF Shadow R1 flights over Gaza have recorded evidence of mass graves at (a) Nasser and (b) Al-Shifa Hospital.

Leo Docherty: The unarmed UK reconnaissance aircraft are employed solely for the purpose of locating the remaining hostages.

Defence: Contracts

Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what his criteria are for publicly disclosing payments made to contractors working on defence programmes.

James Cartlidge: Where applicable, the Department publishes a Contract Notice for MOD-issued tenders for new procurements over £12,000 (inc VAT) on Contracts Finder which is in the public domain.Additionally, the Department provides the Cabinet Office upon request with periodic statistical reports on contracts and tenders over the £12,000 (inc VAT) threshold that have been published or are exempt from publication.

Ministry of Defence: Procurement

John Healey: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many and what proportion of Invitations to Negotiate issued by his Department did not lead to a procurement contract in 2023.

James Cartlidge: Our Defence Sourcing Portal is used to coordinate all sourcing activities across the Department with external parties. From this system, the number of Invitations To Tender/Invitations to Negotiate (ITT/ITN) indicated as not leading to a procurement contract in calendar year 2023 is 11 (of the 676 that were published.) This represents 1.63% of the total number of ITT/ITNs for 2023.

Armed Forces: Housing

Luke Pollard: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many callouts have been made to (a) single living accommodation and (b) Service Family Accommodation properties for maintenance issues since April 2022.

James Cartlidge: 363,638 callouts have been made to Single Living Accommodation properties for maintenance issues since April 2022. 472,317 callouts have been made to Service Family Accommodation properties for maintenance issues since April 2022.

Stonehouse Barracks

Luke Pollard: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how much his Department has spent on improving service accommodation at RM Stonehouse since April 2022.

Luke Pollard: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how much his Department has spent on improving service accommodation at Marne Barracks since April 2022.

Luke Pollard: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how much his Department has spent on improving service accommodation at Helles Barracks since April 2022.

Luke Pollard: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how much his Department has spent on improving service accommodation at Gaza Barracks since April 2022.

Luke Pollard: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how much his Department has spent on improving service accommodation at Somme Barracks since April 2022.

Luke Pollard: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how much his Department has spent on improving service accommodation at Bourlon Barracks since April 2022.

James Cartlidge: The amount spent on improving Service Family Accommodation, at RM Stonehouse, Marne Barracks, Helles Barracks, Gaza Barracks, Somme Barracks and Bourlon Barracks since April 2022 is included in the table below. The amount spent on improving Service Family Accommodation at Marne Barracks, Helles Barracks, Gaza Barracks, Somme Barracks and Bourlon Barracks is not available separately, as they all form part of the wider Catterick Garrison. MOD SiteSpend (£million)RM Stonehouse£10,857,355Catterick Garrison, including Marne Barracks, Helles Barracks, Gaza Barracks, Somme Barracks and Bourlon Barracks£26,776,398  The amount spent on improving Single Living Accommodation, at RM Stonehouse, Marne Barracks, Helles Barracks, Gaza Barracks, Somme Barracks and Bourlon Barracks since April 2022, is included in the table below;  MOD SiteSpend (£)RM Stonehouse£662.290Marne Barracks£1,758,000Helles Barrack£3,224Gaza Barracks£97,670Somme Barracks£6,148,312Bourlon Barracks£100,225

Israel: Military Aid

Kenny MacAskill: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what military aid the UK has provided to Israel since 7 October 2023.

Leo Docherty: Since 7 October 2023 the UK Government has provided non-lethal aid including medical aid.

RAF Coningsby and RAF Lossiemouth: Typhoon Aircraft

Mr Mark Francois: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether Tranche 1 Typhoon aircraft are used to maintain quick reaction alert flights at (a) RAF Coningsby and (b) RAF Lossiemouth.

Leo Docherty: Tranche 1 Typhoon aircraft are not used to maintain Quick Reaction Alert (QRA) flights at either RAF Coningsby or RAF Lossiemouth.

Stonehouse Barracks: Repairs and Maintenance

Luke Pollard: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many callouts have been made to RM Stonehouse for maintenance issues relating to (a) roofing, (b) loss of heating and hot water, (c) electrics, (d) pest control and (e) damp and mould since April 2022.

Luke Pollard: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many callouts have been made to Marne Barracks for maintenance issues relating to (a) roofing, (b) loss of heating and hot water, (c) electrics, (d) pest control and (e) damp and mould since April 2022.

Luke Pollard: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many callouts have been made to Helles Barracks for maintenance issues relating to (a) roofing, (b) loss of heating and hot water, (c) electrics, (d) pest control and (e) damp and mould since April 2022.

Luke Pollard: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many callouts have been made to Gaza Barracks for maintenance issues relating to (a) roofing, (b) loss of heating and hot water, (c) electrics, (d) pest control and (e) damp and mould since April 2022.

Luke Pollard: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many callouts have been made to Bourlon Barracks for maintenance issues relating to (a) roofing, (b) loss of heating and hot water, (c) electrics (d) pest control and (e) damp and mould since April 2022.

Luke Pollard: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many callouts have been made to Somme Barracks for maintenance issues relating to (a) roofing, (b) loss of heating and hot water, (c) electrics, (d) pest control and (e) damp and mould since April 2022.

James Cartlidge: The total number of callouts to Service Family Accommodation (SFA) inside the wire for Helles Barracks, Gaza Barracks, Bourlon Barracks, Somme Barracks, Marne Barracks and RM Stonehouse for maintenance issues since April 2022 are shown in the table below. Please note we are unable to separate the SFA figures serving Helles Barracks, Gaza Barracks, Bourlon Barracks, Somme Barracks and Marne Barracks as they are all part of the wider Catterick Garrison; LocationAmey EstateRoofingLoss of Heating & Hot WaterElectricalPest ControlD&MTOTALHelles BarracksCatterick28432713042711412327Gaza BarracksBourlon BarracksSomme BarracksMarne BarracksRM Stonehouse000000The total number of callouts for Helles Barracks, Gaza Barracks, Bourlon Barracks, Somme Barracks, Marne Barracks and RM Stonehouse for maintenance issues since April 2022, excluding callouts to SFA, are shown in the table below: Location RoofingLoss Heating & Hot WaterElectricalPest ControlDamp & MouldTOTALOnly Heating Only Hot WaterBothHelles Barracks259307277221692163602780Gaza Barracks2910211042774018580Bourlon Barracks3146942155275360Somme Barracks23105972112212362Marne Barracks831503331150239611179RM Stonehouse1091029122463434618

Armoured Fighting Vehicles

Mr Mark Francois: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what the estimated initial operating capability date is for the Boxer vehicle in Army service.

James Cartlidge: I refer my right hon. Friend to the answer I gave on 15 January 2024 to Question 7786 to the right hon. Member for Wentworth and Dearne (Mr Healey). This referred back to the answer given on 17 October 2022, to Question 59082. https://questions-statements.parliament.uk/written-questions/detail/2024-01-05/7786

Leuchars Station

Luke Pollard: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many service personnel are based at Leuchars Station as of 24 April 2024.

James Cartlidge: As at 1 January 2024, there were 960 UK Armed Forces Service personnel stationed at Leuchars Station and RAF Leuchars. Please note the following caveats: The number of UK Armed Forces Service personnel stationed at Leuchars Station and RAF Leuchars can only be provided as at 1 January 2024 in line with Published National Statistics.This figure comprises UK Regular Forces, Gurkhas, Military Provost Guard Service (MPGS), Locally Engaged Personnel (LEP), Volunteer Reserve, Serving Regular Reserve, Sponsored Reserve and Full Time Reserve Service (FTRS) of unknown origin. University Officer Cadets are excluded. The figure includes both trained and untrained personnel.The figure is based on Service personnel’s stationed location and not their location of residence – where personnel work is not necessarily where they live. Personnel deployed on operations to an area away from their stationed location are shown against their most recent stationed location.Figures containing Reserve personnel are estimates because the station location data for Reserves has not been fully verified.The figure has been rounded to the nearest 10 to prevent inadvertent disclosure of personal identities. However, numbers ending in “5” have been rounded to the nearest 20 to prevent systematic bias.

Clyde Naval Base

Luke Pollard: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many service personnel are based at HMNB Clyde.

Luke Pollard: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many service personnel are based at RM Condor.

Luke Pollard: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many service personnel are based at HMS Dalriada as of 24 April 2024.

Luke Pollard: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many service personnel are based at (a) HMS Caledonia and (b) HMS Scotia.

Luke Pollard: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many service personnel are based at University Royal Naval Unit East Scotland.

James Cartlidge: These figures are reported annually and are accurate as of 01 January 2024. Figures have been rounded to the nearest 10 to prevent inadvertent disclosure, and numbers ending in "5" have been rounded to the nearest 20 to prevent systematic bias. University Royal Navy Units (URNU) members, both Training Officers and the Officer Cadets, are all civilians with a status akin to Cadet Force Adult Volunteers and are not members of the Maritime Reserves. Bases Number of Service Personnel RM Condor440HMS Caledonia280HMS Dalriada80HMNB Clyde1910HMS Scotia10URNU East Scotland90

Challenger Tanks

Mr Mark Francois: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many Challenger 2 tanks his Department owned on 31 March 2023; and where those tanks were located.

James Cartlidge: As at 31 March 2023, the British Army had 213 in-service Challenger 2 platforms. We do not routinely comment on the locations of these platforms in the interests of security and operational effectiveness.

Challenger Tanks

Mr Mark Francois: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what plans he has for stored Challenger 2 tanks that are not being upgraded to Challenger 3 standard.

James Cartlidge: I refer the right hon. Member to the answer the former Minister for Armed Forces (James Heappey) gave on 1 February 2024 to Question 11234 to the right hon. Member for Hayes and Harlington (John McDonnell). https://questions-statements.parliament.uk/written-questions/detail/2024-01-24/11234

Armed Forces: Housing

Luke Pollard: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the Answer of 22 February 2023 to Question 146784 on Armed Forces: Housing, how many compensation payments for issues relating to service family accommodation were made in each year between 1 April 2017 and 1 April 2022; and what the value of such payments was in each year.

James Cartlidge: .Number of compensation payments ValueApril – December 20171,624£62,420January - December 20183,934£141,790January - December 20192,503£85,030January - December 20201,520£52,075January - December 20212,680£101,780January - April 20221,016£38,090 Amey also issued compensation payments during this timeframe, under the National Housing Prime (NHP) contract. This data can only be provided at disproportionate cost.

Helicopters: Military Aircraft

Mr Mark Francois: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what estimate he has made of the proportion of work on the new CH-47ER helicopters that will take place in the UK.

James Cartlidge: The UK value for the Foreign Military Sale of tranche 1 of the Chinook Capability Sustainment Programme, which includes support until 2029, is estimated at 8%, with approximately £151 million to be invested in UK industry.

Cameron Barracks: Repairs and Maintenance

Luke Pollard: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many maintenance callouts have been made to Cameron Barracks for (a) roofing, (b) loss of heating and hot water, (c) electrics (d) pest control and (e) damp and mould issues since April 2022.

Luke Pollard: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many maintenance callouts have been made to Leuchars Station for (a) roofing, (b) loss of heating and hot water, (c) electrics (d) pest control and (e) damp and mould issues since April 2022.

Luke Pollard: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many callouts have been made to RM Condor for maintenance issues relating to (a) roofing, (b) loss of heating and hot water, (c) electrics (d) pest control and (e) damp and mould since April 2022.

Luke Pollard: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many callouts have been made to HMS Dalriada for maintenance issues relating to (a) roofing, (b) loss of heating and hot water, (c) electrics, (d) pest control and (e) damp and mould since April 2022.

Luke Pollard: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many maintenance callouts have been made to (a) HMS Caledonia and (b) HMS Scotia for (i) roofing, (ii) loss of heating and hot water, (iii) electrics, (iv) pest control and (v) damp and mould since April 2022.

Luke Pollard: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many callouts have been made to University Royal Naval Unit East Scotland for maintenance issues relating to (a) roofing, (b) loss of heating and hot water, (c) electrics, (d) pest control and (e) damp and mould since April 2022.

James Cartlidge: The total number of callouts to Service Family Accommodation (SFA) to Cameron Barracks, Leuchars Station, RM Condor, HMS Dalriada, HMS Caledonia, HMS Scotia and University Royal Naval Unit East Scotland for maintenance issues since April 2022 are shown in the table below. Please note we are unable to separate the figures for HMS Caledonia and HMS Scotia as they are both held under the Rosyth location. Please note, University Royal Naval Unit East Scotland includes Glasgow and Edinburgh Sites. MOD SiteRoofingLoss of Heating & Hot WaterElectricalPest ControlDamp & MouldCameron Barracks51042683Leuchars Station62012310259RM Condor1412336HMS Dalriada3223253HMS Caledonia/HMS Scotia2414013University Royal Naval Unit East Scotland111868203 The total number of callouts to Cameron Barracks, Leuchars Station, RM Condor, HMS Dalriada, HMS Caledonia, HMS Scotia and University Royal Naval Unit East Scotland for maintenance issues since April 2022, excluding callouts to SFA, are shown in the table below. Please note, University Royal Naval Unit East Scotland includes Glasgow and Edinburgh Sites. MOD SiteRoofingLoss of Heating & Hot WaterElectricalPest ControlDamp & MouldCameron Barracks12115797Leuchars Station1261246621363RM Condor56602272145HMS Dalriada271630HMS Caledonia36211091620HMS Scotia52700University Royal Naval Unit East Scotland512800

Guided Weapons

Mr Mark Francois: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many multiple launch rocket systems his Department owns; how many he plans to upgrade; and what the projected (a) cost of and (b) timescale for such upgrades is.

James Cartlidge: The Ministry of Defence has an operational fleet of 26 multiple launch rocket systems (MLRS), comprising launcher and repair and recovery variants, and owns a further 50 MLRS, all of which will be upgraded.To date, approval has been granted to upgrade 69 systems at an estimated capital cost of £481 million (using current exchange rate assumptions). Funding of £158 million has been allocated for the upgrade of a further 16 systems, which includes the purchase of surplus systems sourced from other nations. This will lead to a total operational fleet size of 85 systems.The MLRS fleet is being upgraded in four tranches with the final deliveries estimated to be complete by 2030.

Nuclear Submarines

Mr Mark Francois: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what the estimated initial operating capability date is for the Royal Navy's proposed submersible ship nuclear replacement submarines.

James Cartlidge: The Royal Navy's submersible ship nuclear AUKUS submarines will be operational from the late 2030s, replacing the current Astute Class.

Radar: Northrop Grumman

Mr Mark Francois: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what the total cost is of the five MESAR radars ordered from Northrop Grumman as part of the UK E-7 Wedgetail programme; and whether those MESAR radars have been delivered as of 24 April 2024.

James Cartlidge: In regard to the cost of the five Multi-Role Electronically Scanned Array (MESA) radars, I refer the right hon. Member to the answer I gave on 19 May 2023 to Question 184577.As of 24 April 2024, the first two MESA radars have been delivered.

Typhoon Aircraft: Radar

Mr Mark Francois: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what the estimated initial operating capability date is for advanced electronically scanned radar on Typhoon aircraft.

James Cartlidge: I refer the right hon Member to the answer I gave to the right hon Member for Wentworth and Dearne (Jon Healey) on 30 January 2024 to Question 10724.

RAF Shawbury: Typhoon Aircraft

Mr Mark Francois: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many Tranche 1 Typhoon aircraft are stored at RAF Shawbury.

James Cartlidge: There are currently ten Tranche 1 Typhoon aircraft stored at RAF Shawbury.

Typhoon Aircraft

Mr Mark Francois: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many and what proportion of RAF Typhoon aircraft are Tranche (a) 1, (b) 2 and (c) 3 variants.

James Cartlidge: The number and percentage of RAF Typhoon aircraft broken down by Tranche is shown in the table below. TrancheNumber of AircraftPercentage of Aircraft (1)Tranche 13022Tranche 26749Tranche 34029Total137100Rounded to the nearest whole number

Typhoon Aircraft: Meteor Missiles

Mr Mark Francois: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether Tranche 1 Typhoon aircraft are fitted to carry Meteor air-to-air missiles.

James Cartlidge: The RAF's Tranche 1 Typhoon aircraft are not fitted to carry Meteor air-to-air missiles.

Type 23 Frigates: Decommissioning

Mr Mark Francois: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what the estimated out of service date is for each of the Royal Navy's Type 23 frigates.

James Cartlidge: I refer the right hon. Member to the response I provided to Question 7840 on 11 January 2024. https://questions-statements.parliament.uk/written-questions/detail/2024-01-05/7840

Army

Charlotte Nichols: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many troops were serving in the British Army as of 24 April (a) 2010 and (b) 2024.

Dr Andrew Murrison: The table below shows the Army Full Time Trained Strength as at 1 April 2010 and Army Full Time Trade Trained Strength as at 1 January 2024.  01 April 201001 January 2024Strength102,26073,190 Notes/Caveats: Figures are published quarterly therefore figures have been supplied as at 01 January 2024 as these are the latest published stats in the public domain.Full Time Trained Strength and Full Time Trade Trained comprises Trained UK Regular Forces, Trained Gurkhas and Full Time Reserve Service Personnel (FTRS).Figures have been rounded to 10 for presentational purposes; numbers ending in "5" have been rounded to the nearest multiple of 20 to prevent systematic bias.Names and definitions have been changed between 2010 and 2024 but figures are comparable.

Cameron Barracks

Luke Pollard: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many service personnel are based at Cameron Barracks as of 24 April 2024.

Dr Andrew Murrison: As at 1 January 2024, there were 10 UK Armed Forces Service personnel stationed at Cameron Barracks. Please note the following caveats: The number of UK Armed Forces Service personnel stationed at Cameron Barracks can only be provided as at 1 January 2024 in line with Published National Statistics.This figure comprises UK Regular Forces, Gurkhas, Military Provost Guard Service (MPGS), Locally Engaged Personnel (LEP), Volunteer Reserve, Serving Regular Reserve, Sponsored Reserve and Full Time Reserve Service (FTRS) of unknown origin. University Officer Cadets are excluded. The figure includes both trained and untrained personnel.The figure is based on Service personnel’s stationed location and not their location of residence – where personnel work is not necessarily where they live. Personnel deployed on operations to an area away from their stationed location are shown against their most recent stationed location.Figures containing Reserve personnel are estimates because the station location data for Reserves has not been fully verified. Numbers can also vary according to activity, duty, and exercise requirements.The figure has been rounded to the nearest 10 to prevent inadvertent disclosure of personal identities. However, numbers ending in “5” have been rounded to the nearest 20 to prevent systematic bias.

AWACS: Procurement

Mr Mark Francois: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, when the first E-7 Wedgetail aircraft is expected to achieve initial operating capability within the Royal Air Force.

James Cartlidge: I refer the right hon. Member to the answer I gave on 29 April 2024 to the right hon. Member for Garston and Halewood (Maria Eagle) to Question 23108.https://questions-statements.parliament.uk/written-questions/detail/2024-04-23/23108

Department for Business and Trade

Wines: Sales

Andrew Selous: To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, for what policy reason retailers may not sell 125ml servings of wine in taster packs.

Kevin Hollinrake: Under the Weights and Measures (Intoxicating Liquor) Order 1988, prepacked sparkling wine can already be sold in 125ml quantities and prepacked still wine in 100ml quantities.When options to reform the relevant legislation were considered, and following conversations with industry, we focused on introducing quantities that stakeholders had indicated as most beneficial for the industry. We will continue to keep the metrology legislative framework under consideration as part of our wider review of metrology EU assimilated law in line with the Government’s commitment to Smarter Regulation, reducing burdens on businesses and promoting innovation and growth.

Export Credit Guarantees

Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, how export development guarantees are scrutinised.

Greg Hands: UK Export Finance (UKEF) undertakes appropriate financial and other due diligence on all applications for its support. Further information on the eligibility criteria for the Export Development Guarantee is provided online at Export Development Guarantee - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).Information on UKEF’s governance and due diligence can also be found in its Annual Report and Accounts.

UK Export Finance: Consultants

Sir John Hayes: To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, how much UK Export Finance has spent on external consultancies in the last five years.

Greg Hands: UK Export Finance’s (UKEF’s) expenditure on external consultancies over the past 5 financial years is as follows: 2022-23£6,072,2062021-22£4,556,0232020-21£948,2182019-20£1,140,2812018-19£543,583 UKEF discloses this expenditure in its Annual Report and Accounts, which the  Rt Honourable Member can find here: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/uk-export-finance-annual-reports-and-accounts. The corresponding expenditure for 2023/24 will be in the Annual Report and Accounts for that year, which will be published later this year.

Infrastructure: Northumberland

Ian Lavery: To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what infrastructure upgrades are required for the proposed Data Centre in Cambois.

Ian Lavery: To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, whether her Department has made an estimate of the number of permanent jobs that will be created by the data centre at Cambois.

Ian Lavery: To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what information her Department holds on the projected pay bands of the jobs created at the proposed Data Centre in Cambois.

Alan Mak: My Department has not made an estimate of the number of permanent jobs that will be created, but I note that Northumberland County Council expect it to deliver over 1,600 direct jobs, including 1,200 long-term construction jobs, and over 2,700 indirect and induced jobs over the course of the development.Infrastructure upgrades needed to support the site are a commercial negotiation between investors and infrastructure providers.The Department does not hold information on the projected pay bands of the jobs created by this proposed investment.

Cars: Russia

Jim Shannon: To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what assessment she has made of the implications for her policies of the export of British luxury cars to Russia via third countries; and whether she has had discussions with industry representatives on this issue.

Alan Mak: The Department for Business and Trade expects and supports UK businesses to reduce their risk and comply with sanctions. We have spoken with industry stakeholders, who confirmed the sector's commitment to compliance with all sanctions.Non-compliance with sanctions is a serious offence. HMRC undertakes an investigation into credible allegations of trade sanctions offences. In the most serious cases, breaches may result in referral for consideration of criminal prosecution.We continue to work to prevent Russia's efforts to circumvent sanctions and recently announced the creation of the Office of Trade Sanctions Implementation to strengthen the implementation and enforcement of trade sanctions, complementing HMRC's existing powers.

Export Controls: Israel

Kenny MacAskill: To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, whether end-use restrictions apply to controlled goods exported to Israel.

Alan Mak: Our export licensing system is based on a rigorous assessment of every licence application on a case-by-case basis against strict assessment criteria, the Strategic Export Licensing Criteria (the SELC), prior to the export taking place.The SELC provide a thorough risk assessment framework for export licence applications and require us to think hard about the impact of providing equipment and its capabilities. We will not license the export of equipment where to do so would be inconsistent with the SELC, including where there is an unacceptable risk of the equipment being diverted to an undesirable end-use or end-user. These are not decisions we take lightly.

Batteries: Factories

Ian Lavery: To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what steps her Department is taking to encourage the establishment of gigafactories to support future levels of vehicle manufacturing.

Alan Mak: We continue to work with industry via the Automotive Transformation Fund (ATF) to support the creation of an internationally competitive zero emission vehicle supply chain in the UK, including gigafactories.As part of the Advanced Manufacturing Plan, we have announced over £2bn of capital and R&D funding over five years to 2030 in zero emission vehicles, batteries and the wider supply chain, boosting the UK's competitiveness and unlocking strategic investments in our automotive industry.In the last year we have seen high levels of committed investment by our vehicle and EV battery producers, including JLR, Nissan and BMW Mini.

Iron and Steel: Production

Christian Wakeford: To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what steps she is taking to help increase domestic steel production.

Alan Mak: The Government recognises the vital role that steel plays within the UK and has taken steps to increase competitiveness and a level playing field. We have provided over £730 million in energy cost relief since 2013; the British Industry Supercharger is now in place to reduce energy costs. The sector has been able to bid for Government funds worth hundreds of millions of pounds to support energy efficiency and decarbonisation, and we have announced a joint £1.25bn investment project with Tata Steel.We have a robust trade remedies framework to protect domestic industries, including steel, from unfair trading practices and unforeseen surges in imports. Last April, we published an updated public procurement note to help the UK steel sector be well positioned when competing for public contracts. The Government is consulting on a UK CBAM to tackle carbon leakage risk.

Iron and Steel: EU Countries

Christian Wakeford: To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what comparative assessment she has made of trends in the levels of steel production between (a) the UK and (b) European Union Member States.

Alan Mak: In the latest data made available by the World Steel Association, the UK is estimated to have produced 6 million tonnes of crude steel. Crude steel production for the 27 EU member states is estimated at 136 million tonnes.

British Business Bank: Consultants

Sir John Hayes: To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, how much the British Business Bank has spent on external consultancies in the last five years.

Kevin Hollinrake: The British Business Bank plc Group incurred the following costs for professional services: investment scheme design and transactions and operational fees over the past five years (figures taken from audited accounts).Year ended 31 March 2023 £11,409,000.Year ended 31 March 2022 £6,096,000.Year ended 31 March 2021 £9,203,000.Year ended 31 March 2020 £9,637,000.Year ended 31 March 2019 £9,444,000.The figures do not include costs for professional services: investment scheme design and transactions and operational fees spent on delivering the Covid-19 loan schemes.

Batteries: Factories

Ian Lavery: To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what steps her Department has taken to find an alternative producer of batteries for electric vehicles for the vacant Cambois site since the collapse of Britishvolt and Recharge Industries.

Alan Mak: The administration is a matter solely for the administrators. The Government has no formal role in the process. There are a number of factors that investors take into account when deciding on the location of a gigafactory, but ultimately this remains a commercial matter. We continue to work with industry via the Automotive Transformation Fund (ATF) to support the creation of an internationally competitive zero emission vehicle supply chain in the UK, including gigafactories. As part of the Advanced Manufacturing Plan, we have announced over £2bn of capital and R&D funding over five years to 2030 in zero emission vehicles, batteries and the wider supply chain, boosting the UK’s competitiveness and unlocking strategic investments in our automotive industry.

Batteries: Factories

Ian Lavery: To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, whether her Department has made a recent assessment of the adequacy of the remaining industrial land at the Cambois site for a gigafactory.

Alan Mak: There are a number of factors that investors take into account when deciding on the location of a gigafactory, but ultimately this remains a commercial matter. It would not be appropriate to comment further as we do not comment on private commercial matters or speculation.

Question

Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what support her Department is providing to businesses in Essex to increase the export of goods and services.

Greg Hands: Businesses in Essex and across the UK can access the Department for Business and Trade’s wealth of export support through great.gov.uk. This includes our self-serve digital offer, the Export Support Service, which includes our network of International Trade Advisers, International Markets in overseas regions and the Export Academy. In addition, British businesses can benefit from access to, and support from, DBT Export Champions, 9 of which are Essex based, like Wilkin & Sons. UK Export Finance also has a network of export finance managers based all around the country, including one covering Essex, Norfolk, and Suffolk.

Batteries: Factories

Ian Lavery: To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, if she will take legislative steps to enable subsidies equivalent to those from the US and EU to help attract manufacturers to build gigafactories in the UK.

Alan Mak: We continue to work with industry via the Automotive Transformation Fund (ATF) to support the creation of an internationally competitive zero emission vehicle supply chain in the UK, including gigafactories.As part of the Advanced Manufacturing Plan, we have announced over £2bn of capital and R&D funding over five years to 2030 in zero emission vehicles, batteries and the wider supply chain, boosting the UK’s competitiveness and unlocking strategic investments in our automotive industry.In the last year we have seen high levels of committed investment by our vehicle and EV battery producers, including JLR, Nissan and BMW Mini.

Imports: Israeli Settlements

Marsha De Cordova: To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, whether she has (a) requested and (b) received legal advice on allowing imports from illegal Israeli settlements.

Marsha De Cordova: To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, whether she has had discussions with her Israeli counterpart on the application of the UK-Israel Free Trade Agreement to the Occupied Palestinian Territories.

Greg Hands: The UK’s position on settlements within the Occupied Palestinian Territories is clear: they are illegal under international law and undermine the prospect of a two-state solution. Under the existing UK-Israel trade agreement, goods originating from illegal Israeli settlements are not entitled to tariff and trade preferences under either the agreement between the UK and Israel, or the agreement between the UK and the Palestinian Authority. This will not change in the Israel FTA. The UK will maintain its long-standing foreign policy positions throughout this negotiation, including with respect to settlements.

Trade Agreements: Israel

Owen Thompson: To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, whether she is taking steps in the negotiations on the UK-Israel Free Trade Agreement to ensure that any such agreement includes a clear definition of the territory to which it applies.

Greg Hands: The UK’s position on settlements within the Occupied Palestinian Territories is clear: they are illegal under international law and undermine the prospect of a two-state solution. Under the existing UK-Israel trade agreement, goods originating from illegal Israeli settlements are not entitled to tariff and trade preferences under either the agreement between the UK and Israel, or the agreement between the UK and the Palestinian Authority. This will not change in the Israel FTA. The UK will maintain its long-standing foreign policy positions throughout this negotiation, including with respect to settlements.

Home Office

British Nationality: Assessments

Duncan Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, with reference to the Knowledge of English Language requirement for citizenship, if he will make an assessment of the potential merits of extending the validity of that certification to three years.

Tom Pursglove: With reference to the Knowledge of English Language requirement for citizenship, there are currently no plans to change the validity period of a Secure English Language Test certification to three years. A person who successfully made an indefinite leave to remain application on the basis of a B1 level qualification can meet the English language requirement for naturalisation without needing to pass another test.

Biometrics

Navendu Mishra: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many people have been (a) arrested, (b) prosecuted and (c) convicted using facial recognition software.

Chris Philp: Facial recognition is used by police as an identification tool to search an image of an unknown suspect against the images of people taken on arrest (‘custody images’), or to locate people in an intelligence-led way, by scanning live crowds and comparing them with the images of wanted people on a specific watchlist instantaneously, with very high levels of accuracy.An arrest may result from a match made by facial recognition software, but not without the match being carefully reviewed by a trained officer and consideration being made of the wider context and other available information. Investigating officers will consider all of the evidence available and follow up all reasonable enquiries as in any normal investigation. Moreover, a prosecution and/or conviction would never be based solely on a match made by facial recognition software.There are no centrally held figures on the number of arrests that result from police forces using facial recognition technology. South Wales Police and the Metropolitan Police Service publish information on their use of facial recognition, including arrests figures and other positive outcomes from deploying live facial recognition. These can be found at the following links:https://www.met.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/fr/facial-recognition-technology/https://www.south-wales.police.uk/police-forces/south-wales-police/areas/about-us/about-us/facial-recognition-technology/Given that a facial match using facial recognition software would be one of many factors under consideration in reaching the decision to prosecute and/or resulting in a person being convicted of an offence it is not possible to attribute exact numbers of prosecutions and convictions. However, we are undertaking evaluation work to enhance our understanding of the impact of facial recognition in this regard.

Homelessness

Christian Wakeford: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether he has had discussions with homelessness stakeholders on measures within the Criminal Justice Bill.

Chris Philp: The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities lead on homelessness and rough sleeping and as such have regular meetings with stakeholders. They reviewed the Vagrancy Act and determined replacement legislation was needed. They published the response to their public consultation on replacement in 2023.The Home Office has additionally engaged with police, local authorities, Police and Crime Commissioners and other organisations including the homelessness sector. This has highlighted that more direct tools were needed to respond to begging and rough sleeping where it causes nuisance to others.These provisions will be supported by guidance highlighting that local authority outreach and engagement remain at the heart of our approach and that these civil tools support a staggered approach to enforcement where that is necessary.

Drugs: Misuse

Rachael Maskell: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what assessment he has made of trends in the levels of synthetic drugs in circulation.

Chris Philp: Tackling Class A drugs, including synthetic opioids, is a priority for the Government and through our 10 year drugs strategy ‘From Harm to Hope’ we are taking action to tackle drugs supply and reduce demand.UK agencies are highly alert to the threat from synthetic drugs, including synthetic opioids like fentanyl and nitazenes, as well as synthetic cannabinoids and benzodiazepines. We assess that the scale of trafficking of synthetic opioids into the UK remains low. However, nitazenes, a type of synthetic opioid, have sadly been linked to more than 100 deaths in the UK during the last year, and we are taking action.The cross-Government Synthetic Opioids Taskforce is working with partners, such as the NCA, the Department for Health and Social Care and the National Police Chiefs Council to deliver an evidence-based response to the risk posed by synthetic opioids, and to implement effective action to stem the demand and supply of these dangerous substances.

Crime: Devon

Simon Jupp: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, if he will make an assessment of the implications for his policies of trends in the level of crime in (a) East Devon constituency and (b) Devon.

Chris Philp: Across the country, communities are safer and the Government’s plan to cut crime and protect the public is working. Compared with 2010, people are now 60% less likely to have their home burgled and around 40% less likely to be victims of violent crime.We are supporting Devon and Cornwall to reduce crime:During the Police Uplift Programme, Devon and Cornwall Police recruited 600 additional uplift officers against a total three-year allocation of 469 officers. As at 30 September 2023, there were 3,716 police officers in Devon and Cornwall, representing the highest number ever when compared to their pre-Police Uplift peak of 3,632 officers as at March 2010.Devon and Cornwall’s police funding settlement will be up to £429.4m in 2024/25, an increase of up to £29.1m when compared to 2023/24.Devon and Cornwall have been allocated £657,000 in FY 24/25 to deliver the Serious Violence Duty. The Serious Violence Duty requires a range of specified authorities to work collaboratively and put in place plans to prevent and reduce serious violence within their local communities.Devon and Cornwall have received £1m for Hotspot Response in FY 24/25 to tackle areas with high incidents of both anti-social behaviour and serious violence.We continue to monitor all these measures to ensure they are having the impact on crime we all want to see.

Anti-social Behaviour: Devon

Simon Jupp: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what steps he is taking to help tackle anti-social behaviour in (a) East Devon constituency and (b) Devon.

Chris Philp: Last year the Government launched the Anti-social Behaviour Action Plan (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/anti-social-behaviour-action-plan), backed by £160m in new funding to ensure the police, local authorities and other relevant agencies have the tools they need to tackle anti-social behaviour.This includes funding an increased police and other uniformed presence to clamp down on anti-social behaviour, targeting hotspots. Initially we worked with 10 police force areas and following its success in 2024 we are supporting a hotspot approach across every police force area in England and Wales. Devon and Cornwall PCC has been awarded £1m in funding to carry out the Hotspot Response approach, tackling areas of high incidents of both ASB and serious violence.

Drugs: Devon

Simon Jupp: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what steps he is taking the help reduce the number of drug offences in (a) East Devon constituency and (b) Devon.

Chris Philp: Reducing drug-related crime is a key priority of the Government’s 10-year Drugs Strategy. We are making good progress. Since April 2022, we have closed over 2,500 county lines nationally.Through the County Lines Programme, our exporter force taskforces (Metropolitain Police Service, Merseyside, West Midlands and Greater Manchester Police) work in collaboration with importer forces, including Devon & Cornwall Police, to tackle the drug supply and exploitation associated with County Lines.Through our County Lines Programme, we also fund the National County Lines Co-ordination Centre (NCLCC), to monitor the intelligence picture and co-ordinate the national law enforcement response. We have also established a dedicated Surge Fund to help forces tackle county lines, from which Devon and Cornwall Police have received investment.Through the Drugs Strategy, we are also investing £532m into high quality drug treatment which reduces crime and reoffending. There are now 24,500 more people in treatment across England, including Devon.The Government has asked every area in England to form a Combating Drugs Partnership (CDP) to work together to reduce drug-related harm and crime. East Devon is covered by the Devon CDP. The Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) for Devon and Cornwall has established a Strategic Peninsular Drugs & Alcohol Partnership which meets 4 times a year and serves as a forum for the 4 CDPs (including Devon CDP) to come together at a Police Force Area level.

Telephone Services: Fraud

Ben Lake: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many cases of scam telephone calls using number spoofing were reported in each of the last five years.

Chris Philp: The Home Office does not hold any data on the number of scam telephone calls using number spoofing.Ofcom recently published their experiences of suspicious calls, texts and app messages survey, conducted on 31st January and 1st February 2024 (2,202 UK adult respondents). Mobile and landline users were asked if they had ever received a call that looked like it was from a genuine source but then became suspicious that it was not genuine. 35% reported having received a call on their landline and 50% reported having received a call on their mobile of this nature.https://www.ofcom.org.uk/__data/assets/excel_doc/0025/281158/data-tables-2024.xlsxNB: These figures cannot be combined as some users may have received both suspicious call on their mobile and landline and do not provide answers on the number of spoofing calls in the last five years.

Undocumented Migrants: Northern Ireland

Daniel Kawczynski: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what steps he is taking to help prevent the Irish government from returning illegal migrants across the border to Northern Ireland.

Tom Pursglove: We have no legal obligation to accept the return of asylum seekers from Ireland.

Migrants

Alex Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, if his Department will make an assessment of the potential impact of No Recourse to Public Funds on people who are (a) destitute and (b) facing destitution.

Tom Pursglove: The Home Office is committed to the continuous review of the NRPF policy and are engaging with public and private sector organisations on a regular basis to understand the impacts of the NRPF condition.The Government published an overarching Equality Impact Assessment on the Compliant Environment measures, of which No Recourse to Public Funds (NRPF) is part; Compliant environment: overarching equality impact assessment (accessible) - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk). In general, temporary migrants are expected to support themselves and any accompanying family members in the UK without recourse to public funds. This is a well-established principle that protects taxpayer-funded public services from becoming overburdened.Nonetheless, there are important safeguards in place for those in genuine need. Migrants with permission under the Family or Private Life routes, or the Hong Kong British National (Overseas) routes, can apply, for free, to have their NRPF condition lifted by making a ‘Change of Conditions’ application. An individual on these routes can apply to have their NRPF condition lifted if they are destitute or at risk of imminent destitution, if there are reasons relating to the welfare of a relevant child, or where they are facing exceptional circumstances affecting their income or expenditure.For all other immigration routes (other than Family or Private Life, or the Hong Kong BN(O) routes), the general expectation is that they will return to their home country should they become unable to meet their essential living needs in the UK. If there are particularly compelling circumstances why leaving the UK is not possible, discretion can be used to consider if the circumstances justify access to public funds.Local authorities may also provide basic safety net support, regardless of immigration status, if it is established either that there is a risk to the wellbeing of a child or there is a genuine care need that does not arise solely from destitution: for example, where a person has community care needs or serious health problems. Support provided to a child by local authorities is not dependent on the immigration status of the child or their parent(s).Migrants with NRPF who have paid the necessary National Insurance contributions or have relevant periods of employment or self-employment, can claim contributory benefits and statutory payments such as New Style Jobseekers Allowance, Statutory Sick Pay, and the State Pension.

Immigration Controls: EU Countries

Mr David Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether he has held recent discussions with the European Commission on the implications for the timing of the EU Entry/Exit System on delays at (a) UK and (b) EU (i) ports, (ii) railway stations and (iii) airports.

Tom Pursglove: The Government continues to engage regularly at ministerial and official levels with the European Commission and the French government on EES implementation.The Government also continues to work with port owners and operators, including the Port of Dover, Eurotunnel and Eurostar / HighSpeed1 (St Pancras) to understand the impact of EES and support their plans to mitigate these. However, it is ultimately for EU Member States to implement EES.

Gender Based Violence: Devon

Simon Jupp: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what steps he is taking to help tackle violence against women and girls in East Devon constituency.

Laura Farris: It is difficult to determine the specific activity to tackle violence against women in the East Devon constituency as services are mostly commissioned at a national level, and not monitored by the Home Office by constituency.To help support local service commissioners, we published a revised National Statement of Expectations in March 2022, which sets out how local areas should commission effective services. It also aims to increase understanding of the need for specialist services and the value of those designed and delivered by and for the users and communities they aim to serve.As part of the effort to tackle these crimes across England and Wales, in 2021 we published our cross-Government Tackling Violence Against Women and Girls Strategy to help ensure that women and girls are safe everywhere - at home, online, at work and in public. This was followed by a complementary cross-Government Tackling Domestic Abuse Plan in 2022.These documents aim to transform the whole of society’s response to these crimes with actions to prevent abuse, support victims and pursue perpetrators, as well as to strengthen the systems that underpin the response. The actions set out in both strategy documents benefit all regions across England and Wales, including East Devon.The Tackling Domestic Abuse Plan committed to over £230 million from 2022-2025. As part of this commitment, the joint Home Office-Ministry of Justice VAWG Support and Specialist Service Fund will provide up to £8.3 million (in total) from 2023-2025 for specialist organisations to support victims often facing the greatest barriers to getting the help they need.The Tackling Domestic Abuse Plan funding also includes the Children Affected by Domestic Abuse (CADA) Fund, which allocated £10.3 million over three years (2022-2025) to eight organisations across England and Wales to provide specialist support within the community to children who have been impacted by domestic abuse. Part of this includes c.£1.25m for the Children’s Society to provide direct support for children and young people and families, including those from rural and hard to reach communities, covering Devon, Shropshire, Rochdale and Merseyside.In May 2023, the Home Office also launched a £300,000 ‘flexible fund’ trial in partnership with Women’s Aid Federation for England to make direct cash payments of £250 to victims and survivors of domestic abuse (£500 to those with children and those who are pregnant) to help remove barriers to leaving an abusive relationship. In November 2023, the Government commitment to support victims was renewed with a further £2m investment into the Flexible Fund until March 2025.Through the current Round Five of the Safer Streets Fund, the Home Office has directly awarded £34 million to Police and Crime Commissioners across England and Wales to deliver interventions to tackle neighbourhood crime, anti-social behaviour and VAWG. Devon and Cornwall received £819,998.64 (2024-2025) to support projects covering Paignton, Camborne and Redruth and are delivering educational training packages such as bystander training to help address behaviour and attitudes on VAWG and using night-time economy marshalls for patrols in the town centres.

Asylum: Rwanda

John McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, if he will make an estimate of the cost to the aid budget of preparations to transport migrants to Rwanda including costs (a) paid to the Rwandan Government, (b) defending legal challenges (c) passing the Safety of Rwanda (Asylum and Immigration) Bill and (d) for flights and accommodation in the last 12 months.

John McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, if he will make an estimate of potential future costs to the aid budget of plans to transport migrants to Rwanda including costs (a) paid to the Rwandan Government, (b) defending legal challenges and (c) flights and accommodation for the next 12 months.

Michael Tomlinson: The funding for the Migration and Economic Development Partnership with Rwanda is separate from, and additional to, the Official Development Assistance (ODA) budget.The most recently published information, which includes costs paid to the Rwandan government and legal fees, is the National Audit Office Report which can be found here: UK-Rwanda Partnership - NAO report.

Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities

Help to Buy Scheme

Karin Smyth: To ask the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, what estimate he has made of the number of Help to Buy scheme leaseholders who are out of the five year interest free loan period.

Lee Rowley: Data is publicly available in the Homes England Annual Report on the total number of Help to Buy loans that have been redeemed, and a breakdown of how many loans were taken out in each parliamentary constituency is available on the following websites:Help to Buy (equity loan scheme): data to 31 May 2023 - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)Homes-England-Annual-Report-and-Financial-Statements-2022-to-2023.pdf (publishing.service.gov.uk)

Help to Buy Scheme: Northampton

Gen Kitchen: To ask the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, how many help to buy homeowners are waiting for a decision on a loan redemption application in (a) Wellingborough constituency and (b) Northamptonshire.

Lee Rowley: This information is not held at county or local level. Homes England publish loan repayments statistics in their annual reports at the following link: Homes-England-Annual-Report-and-Financial-Statements-2022-to-2023.pdf (publishing.service.gov.uk).Help to buy data on sales broken down by parliamentary constituency is published at the following link: Help to Buy (equity loan scheme): data to 31 May 2023 - GOV.UK.

High Rise Flats: Fire Prevention

Karin Smyth: To ask the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, what estimate he has made of the number of Help to Buy scheme leaseholders unable to sell their homes due to the lack of an  EWS1 form.

Lee Rowley: Further to the answer I gave to Question UIN 22128 on 25 April 2024, Homes England (who manage the Help to Buy Equity Loan Scheme on behalf of government) are not aware of customers who have recently been prevented from selling without an EWS1 form and have worked with customers to source other evidence if it was not available (such as Fire Safety Certificate or online case evidence). We would welcome any information which suggests otherwise.

Department for Culture, Media and Sport

Gambling: Video Games

Angela Crawley: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, whether her Department (a) has and (b) plans to make an assessment of the potential impact of micro-transactions in video games on levels of spending among children and young people.

Angela Crawley: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, whether her Department has made an assessment of the potential impact of micro-transactions in video games on gambling behaviours among children and young people.

Angela Crawley: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, whether she has had discussions with her Belgian counterpart on regulating micro-transactions in video games as gambling.

Angela Crawley: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, whether she plans to increase regulation of micro-transactions in video games.

Julia Lopez: The Government monitors the impact of microtransactions in video games on players, including children and young people. In 2020, we launched a call for evidence on loot boxes in video games which found an association between purchasing loot boxes and problem gambling, although no causal link has been found.We have since welcomed new industry-led guidance to improve protections for players and meet the following Government objectives that:purchases of loot boxes should be unavailable to all children and young people unless and until they are enabled by a parent or guardian; andall players should have access to and be aware of spending controls and transparent information to support safe and responsible gaming.We are working with industry and academics to monitor the implementation and effectiveness of the new guidance and will provide an update following the 12-month implementation period, and independent academic scrutiny. We continue to keep our position on possible future legislative options under review. We monitor developments in other international jurisdictions, including Belgium, although no recent discussions with Belgian counterparts have taken place.Whilst the new guidance relates to paid loot boxes specifically, a number of the measures are relevant to in-game microtransactions more broadly, particularly for children and young people. This includes driving awareness of and uptake of parental controls, and running a three-year £1 million public information campaign to provide information to players and parents about safe and responsible playWe have also published a Video Games Research Framework to improve the evidence base on the impacts of video games, including microtransactions and player spending. The Framework outlines the research topics and priorities which we have identified as core areas in need of further research. This includes better understanding of the impact of different monetisation features on players’ experiences, and the effectiveness of mechanisms to mitigate the risk of problematic spending behaviours.While some microtransactions share similarities with traditional gambling products, we view the ability to legitimately cash out rewards as an important distinction. In particular, the prize does not normally have real world monetary value outside of the game, and its primary utility is to enhance the in-game experience. The Gambling Commission has shown that it can and will take robust enforcement action where the trading of items obtained from in-game microtransactions does amount to unlicensed gambling. Microtransactions within video games - including loot boxes - are also subject to consumer protection legislation that protects against misleading or aggressive marketing.

Charity Commission: Consultants

Sir John Hayes: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, how much the Charity Commission has spent on external consultancies in the last five years.

Stuart Andrew: In the last five years the Charity Commission has spent £466,494 on external consultancies. The Charity Commission has a strong framework in place for its use of consultants in delivering value for money. The Charity Commission’s Annual Report and Accounts are published online each financial year; these reports included spending figures for consultancy services. The most recently published Report is from 2022-23. The full Report and Accounts for 2023-24 financial year are due to be published in the Summer of 2024.

Youth Work: Employment Schemes

Ben Bradley: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what steps her Department is taking to help support people who have trained as youth workers to enter the youth workforce.

Stuart Andrew: DCMS funds a number of programmes that are stimulating demand for youth workers, including through our National Youth Guarantee, which is backed by over £500 million of investment into youth services.In addition, the updated statutory guidance for local authorities’ youth provision puts an emphasis on the importance of youth work practice and on employing or encouraging the employment of individuals with youth work skills and qualifications.To support the youth workforce, DCMS funds the National Youth Agency to set professional standards, qualifications and a curriculum for youth work, including a youth work apprenticeship and free-to-access training. DCMS also funds youth worker bursaries which allows youth workers and volunteers to gain qualifications in youth work. To date, DCMS has funded over 2,000 bursaries and we are providing £1,075,000 for over 700 adults who would otherwise be unable to undertake youth work qualifications due to cost.

Gambling: Video Games

Claire Hanna: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, whether her Department is taking steps to help (a) mitigate the risks associated with loot boxes in video games and (b) increase awareness of the potential dangers associated with gambling for younger users.

Julia Lopez: Following the Government response to the call for evidence on loot boxes in video games, the Government has welcomed new industry-led guidance to improve protections for players.We are now working closely with the industry and academics to ensure robust evaluation of implementation and the efficacy of new measures in meeting the Government’s objectives that:purchases of loot boxes should be unavailable to all children and young people unless and until they are enabled by a parent or guardian; and,all players should have access to and be aware of spending controls and transparent information to support safe and responsible gaming.We will provide an update following the 12-month implementation period and independent academic scrutiny of the guidance's implementation and efficacy.

Department for Science, Innovation and Technology

Disinformation

Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, pursuant to the Answer of 17 April 2024 to Question 902272 on Disinformation, how many information threats the Defending Democracy Taskforce has responded to.

Saqib Bhatti: In 2022 the Defending Democracy Taskforce, chaired by the Security Minister, was established to further drive forward work to protect the UK from the full range of threats facing our democratic institutions and processes, including interference with the UK democratic process. The Taskforce engages across government and with Parliament, the UK’s intelligence community, the devolved administrations, local authorities, the private sector, and civil society.  It would not be appropriate to comment publicly on the volume of information threats the departments which support the Taskforce team have responded to, in part because doing so would give malign actors insight into the scale of the UK’s capabilities to identify and tackle such threats to our democratic processes.

Semiconductors: Infrastructure

Peter Kyle: To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, with reference to her Department's policy paper entitled National semiconductor strategy, CP 838, published on 19 May 2023, what progress she has made on the UK Semiconductor Infrastructure Initiative.

Saqib Bhatti: We have made substantial progress since the launch of the National Semiconductor Strategy last year. We are on track to exceed our initial £200 million investment commitment for this spending review period, launched a semiconductor incubator Programme, ChipStart UK, and made ambitious agreements with partner countries. The UK Semiconductor Infrastructure Initiative aims to make targeted intervention to ensure that our infrastructure environment boosts UK commercial innovation for start-ups/SMEs. This government is committed to delivering on its vision with its sector in collaboration with academia and industry, and we continue to engage extensively.

Space Technology: India

Navendu Mishra: To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, whether the United Kingdom and India collaborate on space programmes.

Andrew Griffith: India is a hugely important partner for the UK, not least because of its size, scale of ambition in science and technology. The UK and India collaborate on space programmes, for example the UK Space Agency is funding the development of an X-Ray imaging instrument, AXIS, in collaboration with the Indian Space Research Organisation.

Cybersecurity: Offshoring

Nick Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, whether she has had recent discussions with UK-based companies on trends in the level of cyber security jobs moved abroad.

Saqib Bhatti: Ministers engage regularly with UK cyber security companies to understand employment trends. This includes engagement through visits and forums such as the Cyber Growth Partnership and the National Cyber Advisory Board. The government's annual cyber security sectoral analysis reviews the growth and health of the sector, showing employment in the UK has risen each year since the government began publishing the data in 2018. Currently, the UK cyber security sector employs over 58,000 people, having generated an additional 5,300 jobs in the past year alone.

Treasury

Military Aid: Ukraine

John Healey: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether he plans to allocate at least £3 billion for military support to Ukraine in each year between 2024 and 2030.

Laura Trott: The Government remains committed to supporting Ukraine to defend itself in response to Putin’s illegal invasion. This year we are providing an additional £500 million to Ukraine, on top of the £2.5 billion we have already announced. Our fully funded increase in defence spending enables us to commit to providing support to Ukraine at the current level for as long as required.

Defence: Finance

John Healey: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, with reference to the Prime Minister’s speech in Warsaw on 23 April 2024, whether his Department has (a) conducted an assessment of costings and (b) developed proposals for how to fund the commitment to spend 2.5% of gross domestic product on defence by 2030.

John Healey: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, with reference to the Prime Minister’s speech in Warsaw on 23 April 2024, whether the commitment to spend 2.5% of gross domestic product on defence by 2030 will be require additional funding streams other than through reductions to (a) the civil service and (b) research and development budgets.

Laura Trott: We have made a commitment to steadily increase defence spending, reaching 2.5% of GDP in 2030. We have also set out how we are fully funding this increase in defence spending.

Inheritance Tax: Agriculture

Helen Morgan: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of deferring eligibility for Agricultural Property Relief for all environmental land management schemes on the estates of (a) landowners and (b) farmers who will die prior to 6 April 2025.

Nigel Huddleston: Spring Budget 2024 announced that the government will introduce legislation to extend the existing scope of agricultural property relief from 6 April 2025 to land managed under an environmental agreement with, or on behalf of, the UK government, Devolved Administrations, public bodies, local authorities, or approved responsible bodies. The date of implementation is consistent with the normal tax-policy making process and with previous changes to the inheritance tax system.

Self-assessment

Helen Morgan: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of Basis Period Reform on the availability of accounting resources for (a) sole traders and (b) partnerships.

Nigel Huddleston: Basis period reform is an important simplification to the tax system. The government introduced this reform in Finance Act 2022 to create a simpler, fairer, and more transparent set of rules for the allocation of self-employment and partnership income to tax years. The reform simplifies tax computations for businesses, making it easier to complete self assessment tax returns and reducing administrative burdens. Basis period reform has no effect on the availability of accounting resources for the self-employed or partnerships.

Ministry of Justice

Prisoners' Release

Mr Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, how many prisoners have been released early under the end of custody supervised license scheme since October 2023.

Edward Argar: The number of releases under End of Custody Supervised Licence will be published when sufficient robust and comprehensive data is available. To support orderly release, its publication will be announced through the GOV.UK release calendar.

Restraint Techniques: Children

Alex Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, if his Department will end the use on children of (a) the inverted wrist hold and (b) other pain-inducing restraints.

Edward Argar: The syllabus for training staff in under-18 young offender institutions and the secure training centre in Managing and Minimising Physical Restraint (MMPR) focuses exclusively on behaviour management and restraint.It is essential that staff are trained for every aspect of their role, including in techniques they may need to use to prevent serious physical harm to a child or adult. Staff will continue to be trained in the safe use of pain-inducing techniques, as part of a separate package of interventions for use only in situations where that is the only means of preventing serious physical harm.Any response must be necessary, reasonable, and proportionate in view of the risk of harm which is present. All instances where a pain-inducing technique is used are subject to detailed scrutiny by on site MMPR Coordinators, as well as by members of the Independent Restraint Review Panel.

Wandsworth Prison

Fleur Anderson: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, when and with whom he has had discussions on conditions in HMP Wandsworth in the last six months.

Edward Argar: As the responsible minister for prisons, I receive regular updates on their conditions and performance, including those at HMP Wandsworth, via a variety of means, including through formal face to face discussion such as the quarterly Ministerial Performance Review Board meetings. Additionally, the Lord Chancellor and I met Keith Bristow on 16 November 2023 regarding Mr Bristow’s independent investigation into the alleged escape from HMP Wandsworth by Daniel Khalife. I most recently met with and discussed the conditions at HMP Wandsworth with the Governor of HMP Wandsworth on 18 March 2024, as part of one of my regular roundtable forums with prison governors.

Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

Dangerous Dogs: Exemptions

Ruth Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if he will make an assessment of the potential impact of the exemption certification process for XL Bully-type dogs on costs for (a) the police, (b) other enforcement bodies, (c) dog owners, (d) rescue organisations and (e) Government departments.

Sir Mark Spencer: My Department has analysed the potential costs relating to the XL Bully ban. The cost estimates were generated using evidence and data collated in consultation with animal welfare charities, interested parties and key stakeholders. The assessment of the cost impact can be found in the Explanatory Memorandum which accompanied the Dangerous Dogs (Compensation And Exemption Schemes) (England And Wales) Order 2023. My Department is continuing to engage closely with the Police, local authorities, and rescue and rehoming organisations to monitor the impacts of the XL Bully dog ban.

Flood Control: Finance

Justin Madders: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what his planned timetable is for announcing further successful applicants for funding under the Frequently Flooded Allowance scheme.

Robbie Moore: In July 2022 the Government announced the £100 million Frequently Flooded Allowance to support communities that have experienced repeated flooding. The Allowance improves access to public funding for frequently flooded communities that have not been able to secure all of the funding necessary to progress their flood resilience scheme. The first 53 projects to receive £48 million from the Allowance were announced in April 2023. The next round of projects will be announced in due course.

White Fish: Fishing Catches

Daniel Zeichner: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, how many vessels that mainly land catches in Mevagissey are eligible for payments from the Pollack compensation scheme.

Sir Mark Spencer: The Marine Management Organisation (MMO) has confirmed that there are zero eligible vessels that have Mevagissey as their registered home port. MMO has contacted all eligible fishers via email and is calling those who have yet to apply. Fishers who believe they meet the requirements of this scheme but have not heard from MMO by Monday 29 April 2024 should contact MMO by sending an email to UKFisheriesSupport@marinemanagement.org.uk.

White Fish: Fishing Catches

Daniel Zeichner: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, how many vessels that mainly land catches in Newlyn are eligible for payments from the Pollack compensation scheme.

Sir Mark Spencer: MMO have confirmed that there are 29 vessels that have Newlyn registered as their home port and are eligible for the compensation scheme. 21 of these have submitted their applications and received payment, totalling £256,405. Every application received has been paid within 24 hours. MMO have contacted all eligible fishers via email and are calling those who have yet to apply. Fishers who believe they meet the requirements of this scheme but have not heard from MMO by Monday 29th April 2024 should contact MMO by sending an email to UKFisheriesSupport@marinemanagement.org.uk.

White Fish: Fishing Catches

Daniel Zeichner: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, how many vessels that mainly land catches in Plymouth are eligible for payments from the Pollack compensation scheme.

Sir Mark Spencer: The Marine Management Organisation (MMO) has confirmed that there are 12 vessels that have Plymouth registered as their home port and are eligible for the compensation scheme. 8 of these have submitted their applications and received payment, totalling £62,480. Every application received has been paid within 24 hours. MMO has contacted all eligible fishers via email and is calling those who have yet to apply. Fishers who believe they meet the requirements of this scheme but have not heard from MMO by Monday 29 April 2024 should contact MMO by sending an email to UKFisheriesSupport@marinemanagement.org.uk.

White Fish: Fishing Catches

Daniel Zeichner: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, how many vessels that mainly land catches in Brixham are eligible for payments from the Pollack compensation scheme.

Sir Mark Spencer: MMO have confirmed that there are four vessels that have Brixham registered as their home port and are eligible for the compensation scheme. Three of these vessels have submitted their applications and received payment, totalling £14,030. Every application received has been paid within 24 hours. MMO have contacted all eligible fishers via email and are calling those who have yet to apply. Fishers who believe they meet the requirements of this scheme but have not heard from MMO by Monday 29th April 2024 should contact MMO by sending an email to UKFisheriesSupport@marinemanagement.org.uk.

White Fish: Fishing Catches

Daniel Zeichner: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, how many vessels that mainly land catches in Looe are eligible for payments from the Pollack compensation scheme.

Sir Mark Spencer: The Marine Management Organisation (MMO) has confirmed there are zero eligible vessels that have Looe as their registered home port. MMO has contacted all eligible fishers via email and is calling those who have yet to apply. Fishers who believe they meet the requirements of this scheme but have not heard from MMO by Monday 29 April 2024 should contact MMO by sending an email to UKFisheriesSupport@marinemanagement.org.uk.

White Fish: Fishing Catches

Daniel Zeichner: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, with reference to his Department's press release entitled, Compensation scheme announced to support pollack fishers, published on 10 April 2024, whether his Department made an assessment of the potential (a) costs and (b) impact of setting the Pollack compensation scheme thresholds at different percentage levels.

Sir Mark Spencer: The department made the required assessment ahead of the Ministerial Direction to evidence a range of options for consideration, which included costs. As part of the assessment, the department sought to balance supporting as many fishers who have been affected most by the zero Total Allowable Catch restrictions while bearing in mind the overall cost of the scheme.

White Fish: Fishing Catches

Daniel Zeichner: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 23 April 2024 to Question 22013 on White Fish: Fishing Catches, how he plans to fund the compensation scheme through his Department's existing budget; and whether his Department (a) has a budget surplus and (b) will make reduce expenditure to fund the scheme.

Sir Mark Spencer: Funding for the compensation scheme will be found by examining current spending priorities to ensure efficient use of budgets. The Department does not have a budget surplus, so adjustments and optimisations will be made to accommodate the compensation scheme without requiring substantial reductions in expenditure elsewhere in the Department.

Fluorinated Gases: Regulation

Alan Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, with reference to the policy paper entitled Assessment of the F gas Regulation in Great Britain, published on 16 December 2022, if he will make an assessment of what the research and development requirements will be for businesses switching from f-gas to alternative gases to meet the quotas set out in that report; and whether he has had recent discussions with relevant industry stakeholders on the adequacy of resourcing for that research and development.

Alan Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, with reference to the policy paper entitled Assessment of the F gas Regulation in Great Britain, published on 16 December 2022, whether he has had recent discussions with relevant industry stakeholders on their ability to meet the quotas in that report.

Robbie Moore: The F gas regulation in Great Britain Assessment report included HFC demand forecast, modelled for Great Britain, for four forecast scenarios. The assumptions behind these scenarios were informed by stakeholder engagement. We have continued to discuss the feasibility of the scenarios with stakeholders following publication of the report. We are aware that further research and development, as well as investment, will be needed as the transition to lower GWP alternatives continues. We remain engaged with stakeholders to understand the barriers and challenges faced by industry. We intend to consult in due course on proposals for legislative reform to the GB F-gas Regulation. This will provide all stakeholders with an opportunity to respond to the proposals and highlight any concerns with resourcing for research and development.

Question

Gerald Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what recent assessment her Department has made of the impact of the UK's exit from the EU on the cost of exporting food to the EU.

Sir Mark Spencer: The Trade and Cooperation Agreement provides businesses tariff and quota free access to the EU market, provided that these goods meet ‘Rules of Origin’ requirements. UK businesses must comply with customs procedures when exporting food. These procedures include Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) border controls as well as technical regulations, standards and conformity assessments. For some food businesses, there may be costs associated with compliance to these procedures. Before the UK left the EU, assessments were made of these costs reflecting a variety of potential trading arrangements with the EU. Work is ongoing to assess these costs now the new trading arrangements under the Trade and Cooperation Agreement are being implemented.

Furs: Sales

Ben Lake: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if he will publish the responses to his Department's call for evidence on the fur trade.

Sir Mark Spencer: A summary of replies received to the Call for Evidence on the Fur Market in Great Britain should be published in due course. At this stage we do not have a confirmed date for publication.

Sewage: Wildlife

Matt Western: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment he has made of the impact of sewage discharges into waterways on wildlife in those waterways between 2019 and 2024.

Robbie Moore: The Environment Agency monitors the water environment all year round, collecting tens of thousands of samples from source to sea.  The Environment Agency produces a full set of water body classifications covering every water body in England every six years, with the last full assessment in 2019. To supplement this, last year the Environment Agency published a limited data set which assessed data from 2019 to 2022 to help inform delivery. The next full assessment will be produced in 2025. Environment Agency data shows that the pollutants that harm wildlife discharged by sewage treatment works are greatly reduced. For example, there is now 85% less ammonia and 80% less phosphorus in the water environment than there was in 1990. However, the Government is clear that the sector needs to go further and faster to tackle sewage discharges and the harm they cause. The government's Storm Overflows Discharge Reduction Plan will eliminate ecological harm from all storm sewage discharges by 2050. It will protect biodiversity, the ecology of our rivers and seas, and the public health of our water users for generations to come.

Agriculture: Codes of Practice

Mary Kelly Foy: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to help ensure effective implementation of the Agricultural Landlord and Tenant Code of Practice.

Sir Mark Spencer: The Agricultural Landlord and Tenant Code of Practice (the Code) was published following full endorsement by all organisations represented in the joint Government and industry Farm Tenancy Forum (the Forum) across the industry, including in farming media. Forum members are proactively embedding the Code within their organisations, as well as advising on other industry organisations’ uptake of the Code. The Forum Chair has written to land agents to establish their proposals for embedding the Code. Defra is working closely with the Forum to assess the response to the Code and its effectiveness.

Sewage: Rivers

Rachael Maskell: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of (a) sewage and (b) other contaminants in the river system on the food chain.

Robbie Moore: The Government's Storm Overflows Discharge Reduction Plan (SODRP) was extended in 2023 with further stringent targets on the use of storm overflows to protect people and the environment, prioritising for early action areas used for bathing, for growing shellfish, or with high ecological importance. This plan will eliminate ecological harm from all storm sewage discharges by 2050, protecting biodiversity the ecology of our rivers and seas, and the public health of our water users for generations to come. In addition to the formulation of the SODRP, we produced an impact assessment which assesses the quality of evidence regarding environmental, public health and social impacts of storm overflow operation. The SODRP targets will be reviewed in 2027 when new information is available to see if water companies can go further or faster.

Rivers: Wales

Beth Winter: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 3 April 2024 to Question 20109 on Rivers: Repairs and Maintenance, whether he has held recent discussions with his counterpart in the Welsh Government on riparian landowners responsibilities for watercourse management.

Robbie Moore: Ministers regularly meet with stakeholders to discuss the department’s policies, including flood and water management. The government’s independent review of statutory powers and responsibilities associated with Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management assets included riparian landowners’ responsibilities. Whilst the review covered England only, since responsibility for flood risk management is a devolved matter, officials from the Welsh Government and National Resources Wales, and a member from the Wales Flood and Coastal Erosion Committee were members of the Project Board and Project Steering Group. The review has recently concluded, and we expect to publish its findings by the summer.

Property Flood Resilience Scheme

Emma Hardy: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, pursuant to his Answer of 23 April 2024 to Question 21424 on Property Flood Resilience Scheme, which local authorities were eligible to make a claim under the new property threshold for Storm Babet in October 2023 that would have been unable to do so under the previous threshold.

Robbie Moore: The below District authorities declared fewer than 25 flooded properties as a result of Storm Babet. Under the criteria applied for the 2019 and 2020 Property Flood Resilience Repair Grant (PFR Grant) they would not have qualified for assistance. As they are within a Lead Local Flood Authority area which overall had more than 50 flooded properties, (the threshold applied for the current schemes), they are included in the Storm Babet PFR Grant Scheme. Nottinghamshire Charnwood Borough Council, Rushcliffe Borough Council and Mansfield District Council Leicestershire: Blaby District Council, Harborough District Council, Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council, Melton Borough Council and Oadby and Wigston Borough Council Norfolk:  Broadland District Council, Great Yarmouth Borough Council, King's Lynn and West Norfolk Borough Council and Norwich City Council Worcestershire: Bromsgrove District Council, Wychavon District Council, Wyre Forest District Council, Redditch Borough Council Lincolnshire: South Kesteven District Council Derbyshire: High Peak Borough Council, South Derbyshire District Council

Rivers: Sewage

Andrew Selous: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether planning authorities are required to undertake checks to prevent the discharge of sewage or dirty mains water into rivers from individual (a) residential and (b) commercial properties.

Robbie Moore: The National Planning Policy Framework outlines the expectations for water-compatible development, which should make sufficient provision for water supply and pumping stations, wastewater, waste management and flood control infrastructure.

Water: Standards

Stephen Morgan: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether her Department plans to designate bathing waters in Portsmouth South by 2025.

Robbie Moore: Defra runs an application process for the designation of new bathing waters. Defra did not receive any applications for new bathing water sites to be designated in Portsmouth South for the 2024 bathing season.

Water: Standards

Stephen Morgan: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, which bathing waters have been de-designated in the South East since 2010.

Robbie Moore: Clacton (Groyne 41) in Tendring, Essex was de-designated in 2020 due to the site receiving 5 consecutive ‘Poor’ classifications. Newhaven in Lewes, East Sussex, was de-designated in 2016 as the site was no longer being used for bathing. Access had been closed by the private owner, as harbour byelaws prohibited bathing.

Water Treatment: Yorkshire and the Humber

Rachael Maskell: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps he is taking to ensure that devolved regions in Yorkshire develop a strategic plan for water and sewage management.

Robbie Moore: In January 2023, the Government published its Environmental Improvement Plan. This included a commitment for more joined up management of the water system. The current water and floods policy and legal framework has been developed incrementally over time, resulting in over 15 national plans and strategic documents. Whilst each plan has its own purpose, we want to make the whole framework more outcome-focussed and fully integrated with other environmental plans and government delivery plans. We reiterated this commitment in our landmark Plan for Water published in April 2023. The Government recognises the importance of having a robust drainage system both now and for future demand. To improve the strategic management of drainage and target investment appropriately to meet future needs, water and sewerage companies have produced Drainage and Wastewater Management Plans (DWMPs). DWMPs set out how a water company intends to improve their drainage and wastewater systems over the next 25 years, including how the drainage network will adapt to changes such as an increasing population and urban creep. Water companies in England (including Yorkshire Water) have already produced one round of DWMPs, with the final plans published in Summer 2023. As committed to in the Plan for Water and the Environmental Improvement Plan, DWMPs will be placed on a statutory footing for the next cycle (2024-2029), in line with the ambition laid out in section 79 of the Environment Act 2021. Statutory planning will help to ensure that sewerage companies fully assess the wastewater and sewerage network capacity and promote closer working and development of collaborative solutions with others who are responsible for parts of the drainage network, such as local authorities. Combined with other water plans and initiatives, DWMPs will help to ensure drainage and wastewater services are better managed and properly supported, as well as delivering greater efficiencies for customers and supporting investment in nature-based solutions.

Sewage: Repairs and Maintenance

James Murray: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 2 April 2024 to Question 19486 on Sewage: Repairs and Maintenance, if he will issue guidance to (a) local authorities and (b) water companies on whether they have a statutory duty to enforce sewage misconnections under Section 59 of the Building Act 1984.

Robbie Moore: There is no statutory duty for water companies under Section 59 of the Building Act 1984. The legislation explains the responsibilities of local authorities and the powers available to them, as well as the options for recovering costs they might incur if they have to undertake remedial action.

Farmers: Tenants

Mary Kelly Foy: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if he will make an assessment of the adequacy of current legal protections afforded to tenant farmers.

Sir Mark Spencer: Defra is working with the Farm Tenancy Forum to closely monitor and understand the application and impact of current legal protections afforded to tenant farmers. This will be further explored in Defra’s June Survey of Agriculture and Horticulture. We will keep the need to consult or legislate, or both, under review.

Department for Energy Security and Net Zero

Hydrogen

Christian Wakeford: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps her Department is taking to help encourage uptake in the use of hydrogen.

Andrew Bowie: Our regulatory and policy framework is designed to support offtakers to switch to hydrogen, and includes innovation funding, CAPEX and ongoing revenue support. DESNZ’s Hydrogen Production Business Model will provide ongoing revenue support to incentivise production and use of low carbon hydrogen. The first in our planned yearly allocation rounds for the Hydrogen Production Business Model represented the largest number of commercial scale green hydrogen projects announced at once anywhere in Europe, and the second round has already closed to applications. Our hydrogen transport and storage business models will link up production and demand, enabling security of supply for offtakers.

Net Zero Council: Meetings

Kerry McCarthy: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what the (a) dates and (b) agenda items are for future meetings of the Net Zero Council.

Justin Tomlinson: Meetings of the Net Zero Council are currently scheduled to take place on 3 July 2024, 9 October 2024 and 15 January 2025.

Mineworkers' Pension Scheme

Grahame Morris: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what recent estimate she has made of the average weekly pension payment to widows of miners who are recipients of the mineworkers pension scheme.

Justin Tomlinson: The average pension to widows of former members is currently £77 per week.

Mineworkers' Pension Scheme

Grahame Morris: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether she has had recent discussions with the Mineworkers Pension Scheme Trustees on the decision to make hardship payments discretionary rather than mandatory.

Justin Tomlinson: There is no provision for hardship payments within the Mineworkers’ Pension Scheme.

Mineworkers' Pension Scheme

Grahame Morris: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, if she will make an assessment of the potential merits of reinstating the Rules Amendment Committee for the Mineworkers Pension Scheme.

Justin Tomlinson: The Rules Amendment Committee was disbanded on privatisation and there is no need for it with the current valuation process.

Question

Joanna Cherry: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether she has had discussions with the Secretary of State for Business and Trade on the potential impact of the Industrial Decarbonisation Research and Innovation Centre on growth and investment.

Amanda Solloway: The Industrial Decarbonisation Research and Innovation Centre (IDRIC) has been a key pillar of this Government’s Industrial Decarbonisation Challenge, backed by over £20 million in funding to date, supporting policy research, evidence gathering and engagement. The Secretary of State and other Ministers in this Department have regular discussions with counterparts in the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT), including on how Government can seize the opportunities of the green economy by continuing to support industry and funding green research & development.

Department for Transport

Bus Service Operators Grant

Dr Thérèse Coffey: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to the Answer of 19 April 2024 to Question 21014 on Minibuses: Driving Licences, if he will publish a breakdown of the £3 million per year Bus Service Operators Grant by operator in receipt of the grant.

Guy Opperman: Details on which community transport operators have received BSOG funding are published on GOV.UK at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/bus-service-operators-grant-payments-to-english-operators-from-2010-onwards.

Driving Licences

Jo Stevens: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether his Department undertook an impact assessment on separating International Drivers Permits from other DVLA delivered services.

Guy Opperman: The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency carried out an open competition for the contract to provide a counter service for International Driving Permits (IDPs), in line with the Public Contract Regulations 2015. PayPoint was awarded the contract.The new contract provides the option for selected Paypoint outlets to issue IDPs. These selected PayPoint outlets provide the geographical coverage to ensure that at least 90% of the population are within ten miles of an IDP issuing outlet within the UK. The PayPoint service started on 1 April 2024.

M62: Repairs and Maintenance

Sir Greg Knight: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what his Department's timescales are for (a) the completion of repairs to the Ouse bridge on the M62 near Goole, (b) the removal of the temporary speed limit and (c) the full reopening of all lanes to traffic in both directions in that area.

Guy Opperman: National Highways are due to complete repairs on the Ouse bridge by September 2024 when the temporary speed limit will be lifted, and all lanes opened to traffic in both directions. Whilst there will be some residual work after all the lanes open, it will not impact road users.

Transport: Northumberland

Ian Lavery: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether his Department still plans to improve transport links between Cambois and North Blyth in the context of the failure to agree a deal to build an electric vehicle gigafactory in Cambois.

Ian Lavery: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether his Department still plans to provide funding for infrastructure around the A189 in the context of the failure to agree a deal to build an electric vehicle gigafactory in Cambois.

Guy Opperman: It is for the local transport authority to decide investment priorities for their transport network. The new North-East Mayoral Combined Authority is eligible for a City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement of up to £563m to March 2027 to invest in local transport priorities. The programme for which will need to be agreed once the Metro Mayor has been elected. The North-East has also received a future five-year indicative allocation of £1,849m from 2027 to 2032.This is all in addition to the hundreds of millions of pounds in funding that has or could be provided directly for schemes in this area, including: we have provided funding to ensure that passenger services will return to the Northumberland Line this year; from the billions saved from the scrapping of HS2, as announced in Network North, funding will be available to complete dualling of the A1 from Morpeth to Ellingham, subject to planning consent and approval of a full business case for the project, providing a continuous high quality dual carriageway from Newcastle to Ellingham, north of Alnwick; and Northumberland County Council are developing the Blyth Relief Road scheme, which would provide a new access onto the A189, for possible Department for Transport funding as part of the Major Road Network/Large Local Majors programme.

Electric Scooters: Hire Services

Mr Gregory Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to the Answer of 29 January 2024 to Question 11269 on Electric Scooters: Hire Services, whether he plans to announce a decision on extending e-scooter rental trials before the Summer recess.

Anthony Browne: E-scooter trials have been extended to 31 May 2026. Extending the trials beyond May 2024 will enable us to build on current learning across areas including usage, safety, and environmental impacts, and to explore changing travel patterns since the coronavirus pandemic and as e-scooters become more embedded in public life.